Sioux shirt, Plains, circa 1890. Hide, hair, pigment and glass beads.

KIRTLAND, OHIO – The Vintage Poster Art Auction (VPAA) held its 9th annual movie memorabilia auction this spring. The 618 lots realized over $311,000, with a pass rate of 12 percent.

The auction, the largest movie poster sale in the Midwest, was held in conjunction with Cinevent, one of the largest movie memorabilia conventions in the world, which is conducted for four days over Memorial Day weekend.

Every year, VPAA sets new records and this year was no exception. The highest price paid for a sports movie pressbook, Play Ball (1929), starring Babe Ruth was $2,415. The highest price paid for a magic related lobby card (11 by 14 inches), Terror Island (1920), starring Harry Houdini, was $3,910.

The highest price paid for a Tom Mix six-sheet (81 by 81 inches), Days of Daring (1920), was $2,185. The highest price paid for any piece from Eric Von Stroheim silent film classic, Greed (1925), was $4,312.50.

All prices quoted include a 15 percent buyer’s premium.