Items Ralph Does Not Collect

Although each of the items listed below have their own distinct merit and value, Ralph DeLuca generally advises discerning collectors seeking to build world-class entertainment ephemera collections to refrain from acquiring them, citing the reasons outlined below.

✕ Reproductions of any kind

Common reproduction sizes (not original movie posters) are:

Simply featuring an NSS tagline, NSS number, and a GAU (Printer’s Union) logo does not guarantee the authenticity of a movie poster. There are many fakes and reprints that have these printed on them to deceive buyers into believing they are acquiring originals.

Highly popular films often have all kinds of reproductions, both licensed and unlicensed (bootlegs). However, reproduction posters lack significant collectible value and are abundant on platforms like eBay. Caution is paramount when making these purchases, as distinguishing between reproductions and originals can be extremely challenging due to their close resemblance in quality.

Unfortunately, eBay has become a hotspot for fraudulent activities, and despite these concerns, efforts to mitigate such issues remain insufficient. Hence, the adage ’buyer beware’ rings especially true when navigating the marketplace for movie memorabilia.

✕ Video store posters

Despite their similarities, video posters are not original movie posters. These posters are specifically designed to promote the release of a film on videotape or DVD, distinct from the promotional materials used during the movie’s initial theatrical run. Commonly known as ’original video posters,’ they typically have very little value.

✕ Movie posters after 1970

Before 1970, the typical print run for a movie poster ranged from 3,000 to 5,000 copies per design. Surprisingly, from the early days up until the 1960s, most posters were disposed of after the film’s run. However, starting in the 1970s and continuing to the present day, the print runs for movie posters have ratcheted up to between 15,000 and 30,000 copies per title. As a result, the market is now flooded with a larger number of first-release movie posters, diminishing their individual value. The 1970s mark the beginning when all types of poster collecting really took off, and this trend continues through today

✕ Portal Publications posters

In the 1960s and 1970s, several companies, most notably Portal Publications, engaged in the reproduction of vintage movie posters. These posters are easy to identify as reproductions for several reasons:

  1. The dimensions of 24" x 36" deviate from the standard poster size used by movie studios for theatrical display, which was consistently 27" x 41" for the ’one sheet’ format.
  2. Each reproduction bears a conspicuous “copyright Portal Publications” imprint at the bottom, alongside the original release date of the film—though it remains a reproduction rather than an original.
  3. Portal Publications posters were typically printed on flat stock, further setting them apart from authentic originals.
  4. As reproductions, these posters have virtually no value.

✕ Cigarette cards

Originally introduced by tobacco manufacturers, cigarette cards served a dual purpose of reinforcing cigarette packaging and promoting various cigarette brands. The fragile nature of early cigarette packets necessitated the inclusion of a ’stiffener’ to protect the contents, and these cards filled that role admirably.

These early cards often featured photographs of leading actresses, politicians, and celebrities of the day. Despite their historical significance and often charming designs, cigarette cards were mass produced and generally lack any significant monetary value.

Other miscellaneous items Ralph does not collect: