Counterfeit Dracula 1931

Click "VIEW" for access to full size images. This was the very first entry in this database archive in 2009 and this poster was the reason we created this database after we misidentified it as being authentic amidst the Kerry Haggard scandal. We learned that a proper authentication requires the knowledge of more than just one expert, and can take quite a lot of time.

**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.

Previously restored

Counterfeit Dracula 1931 - 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 (Poster)

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

Counterfeit Dracula 1931 - 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. (Poster)

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.

Counterfeit Dracula 1931 - 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. (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).

Counterfeit Dracula 1931 - 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. (Poster)

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.

Counterfeit Dracula 1931 - 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. (Poster)

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.

Counterfeit Dracula 1931 - 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. (Poster)

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)
I) PM-LAPG has not knowingly withheld any significant information from its evaluation report and to the best of its knowledge all statements and evaluations in this report are true and correct.
II) PM-LAPG stated in the Evaluation Report its own personal, unbiased and professional analysis, opinions and conclusions, which are subject to the assumptions and limited conditions in this evaluation report as set forth hereinabove.
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V) PM-LAPG prepared all opinions and conclusions about the subject property that were set forth in this Evaluation Report. If it has relied on significant evaluation assistance from any individual or individuals in the performance of this evaluation or the appropriation of this evaluation report, PM-LAPG has named such individuals and disclosed the specific task performed in this evaluation report. PM-LAPG certifies that any individual so named is qualified to the same extent as PM to perform the task. PM-LAPG has not authorized anyone to make a change to any item in this evaluation report, therefore, any change made to this evaluation is unauthorized and PM-LAPG will not take responsibility for it.
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