Frankenstein (Universal, 1931). Folded, Very Fine/Near Mint. One Sheet (27" X 41") Style A.. ...

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Frankenstein (Universal, 1931). Folded, Very Fine/Near Mint. One Sheet (27" X 41") Style A.
Frankenstein - it's an adjective, a verb, a man, and a monster. Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's parable of hubris and scientism run amok has gripped the popular imagination since its first publication in 1818. However, director James Whale's 1931 cinematic masterpiece gave definitive shape and iconic visuals to the gothic horror tale, with Boris Karloff in his signature role as the rough-stitched and bolted reanimated corpse and Colin Clive as the ranting mad scientist. The film followed hot on the heels of Dracula and proved just as profitable, revitalizing the fortunes of Universal Studios. Originally, Bela "Dracula" Lugosi was slated to play the monster under the direction of Robert Florey. The director and actor argued over Florey's vision of the monster, who he conceived as a mindless murder machine. The disputes allowed Whale an opportunity to take over the project, and his nuanced sensibility resulted in more substantive characterizations all around. The resulting film is a horror classic and among the most influential motion pictures in cinema history, spawning no less than six direct sequels, countless reimaginings, and inspiring generations of filmmakers.

Generally speaking, movie posters are among the absolute rarest of all pop culture artifacts. Created solely to advertise the exhibition run of a film at a theater, once the picture left town, the poster had reached the end of its utility. Unlike sports cards, comics, or myriad other collectibles, they were never produced in mass quantities to be sold to the general public and were not intended to be saved. By way of illustration, Universal Horror - Frankenstein and Dracula, in particular - are the most coveted blue chips in the movie poster hobby. As the foundational texts of their genre, one sheet posters for Frankenstein and Dracula would be most analogous to Action Comics #1 and Detective Comics #27, the first comic book appearances of Superman and Batman, respectively. A check of the CGC census shows 75 known graded copies of Action #1 and 75 examples of Detective #27. CBCS adds 8 Action and 12 Detective to the tally. To our knowledge, there are only seven copies of the Frankenstein Style A one sheet extant, including the one offered here. The last time Heritage had a Frankenstein Style A in close to comparable condition was nearly 20 years ago, and at the time, it sold for $189,750. Never before offered for public sale, this new-to-market poster was recently discovered in a Pennsylvania attic where it had rested unbeknownst to anyone for decades.

One seldom encounters a 90+-year-old paper collectible in this fine a state of preservation. Completely unrestored, not a dab of touchup has been applied or needed on this exceptionally clean poster. The piece exhibits some minor crossfold separation and small white spots in the "K" and the second "N" of the title treatment where the ink didn't take. There is some faint spotting in the borders and a dust shadow along the extreme top edge. The colors are as brilliant as the day the poster came off the stone litho press and the graphics retain all of their original vibrancy. This exceedingly rare, grail-level artifact would be the pinnacle of any elite cinema, horror, or pop culture collection.


Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.



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