Dracula 1931

**REPRODUCTION** Entirely different type of fake poster, which, due to the dissimilarities to all of the other fakes we have uncovered, this one fooled us until we learned more about it. This once legitimate S2 reproduction one sheet was sanded thin by the "restorer" then lined with canvas and paper ("linen backed") with airbrush restoration throughout the border and title. The two bottom corners which would have had vital reproduction information printed as identification were removed and replaced in a restorative fashion and the fine print from an original Dracula poster was then added by hand. Fold lines have been touched up with colored pencil. Minor paper loss in spots only in border and center fold line intersection near the eye. Poster presents very nicely, though some restoration has worn off in the fold lines. Bela Lugosi, Universal Horror.

Front

Verso image is not available

Here we see a close up microscope photo of Lugosi's right eye. We can see the fibers in the paper and the off-set litho printing style

Here is a microscope image taken inside the "F" in the word "OF" . The microscope camera reverses the image. Here we see the naked, natural paper color consistent with that of an authentic vintage poster.

Here we see an image taken from the "R" in Vampire at the top of the poster. We can see the fibers in the paper and the printing style that is consistent with that of an authentic poster.

Here we see the "F" in "FROM" at the bottom left corner. (the microscope camera reverses the image).

Here we see an image of the top left corner where the white area on the right is the restoration in the border, the dark area on the left is the original, unrestored background and there is some water-color touch up seen here in the middle.

Here we see the top of the "U" in "DRACULA". The white splotches are restoration pigment applied with airbrush. The paint is very light and purely cosmetic. It seems that the restorer was simply trying to keep the title consistent with the border. We can see some of the original paper color peeking through in the corner, we can also see the cut line from the masking.

Here we see a close up shot of the small woman's head which appears above and to the right of center. Again we see the fibers and print style which indicate authenticity.

Procedures

Examination under black-light, microscope, light table, digital imaging and tactile observation. Documentation by John Davis of Poster Mountain Inc.,

Conclusion

THIS WAS NOT PRODUCED BY POSTER MOUNTAIN INC. This is a reproduction of an authentic one sheet made by S2 reproductions, it was printed with an old offset printer. The poster was then folded and damaged intentionally. It was then linenbacked and restored. We have tagged this poster in the Universal logo.This reproduction poster has been "linen backed" and restored by an unknown restorer with great attention paid restoratively to make this poster appear authentic. The overall condition of the poster is very good. Aesthetically it might be improved by proper re-conservation, but there is no indication that it's current backing poses any immediate risk for long term preservation. The only airbrushing on the poster is throughout the border and title. There is no significant paper loss however the two bottom corners have been replaced. The canvas backing has a couple of weak spots at the horizontal fold lines, so care should be exercised when handling this poster. Recommend keeping flat.

Disclaimer

The object and/or subject of this report is private property. This page is for informational purposes only. Unless clearly stated otherwise, all conservation and restoration has been performed by Poster Mountain (PM) or Los Angeles Paper Group (LAPG)
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