| Collecting original poster prints is a time-honored tradition for some hobbyists, and it has recently attracted an even bigger following. Though some individuals make poster-collecting their number-one extracurricular activity, others may simply be interested in purchasing a specific poster for personal reasons. For instance, whereas an avid poster print collector would be interested in a wide range of prints, your average individual is probably looking for an original poster print of his or her favorite movie or rock n' roll band. That said, every individual who plans to invest in an original poster print should be well aware of the risks involved. As digital technology has advanced by leaps and bounds in recent years, it has made it increasingly easy for fraudulent dealers to pass off copies as original prints. To the uneducated eye, it may be nearly impossible to discern any difference between an authentic original and a well-made reproduction. To protect yourself, it's important to do thorough research on the poster print you want to purchase before you begin your search. Find out from a well-known, reputable dealer what the exact dimensions of the original print would be and ask about possible bar codes, signatures or ID numbers. For example, original movie posters created after 1939 should have a National Screen Service code at the bottom margin of the poster. The other thing to do is carefully examine any print before you purchase it--if you noticed any blurring, be sure to question the seller. If possible, take the poster to numerous dealers and ask for their professional opinion before you enter into a contract with the vendor. By taking these important steps, you greatly reduce the risk of purchasing a fake print instead of a true blue original. |