At its semiannual poster auction, November 10, Poster Auctions International, Inc hit a sale rate of 44 percent for a total of $1,300,000 as more than 500 lots of rare, vintage posters crossed the block.
While not the record-breaking totals of the last two auctions held here, this solid result proves that “the people’s art” is still a strong investment.
Of particular interest were two larger-than-life-sized posters featuring the boxers Jack Johnson and Jim Jeffries. Estimated at a modest $1,5/2,000, the pair attracted the largest number of bidders, reaching an unforeseen total of $10,925.
Also sparking an enthusiastic response from the public was Alphonse Mucha’s rarely seen poster for Heidsieck champagne, selling for an impressive $63,250. The same price was met by A.M. Cassandre’s poster for Miniwatt/Philips Radio, far exceeding the predicted estimate.
Another surprise emerged from the books and periodicals section of the auction, where a complete set of Les Maitres de l’Affiche sold for $43,700.
Jack Rennert, founder and president of Poster Auctions International, said, “Global markets may lack confidence in asset values, but poster collectors are fully confident in the value of their posters.”
All prices reported include the buyer’s premium. For information, www.postersplease.com or 212-787-4000.
