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Determining original Monaco posters?

Discussion in 'Collectables, Literature, & Models' started by rynoshark, May 8, 2013.

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  1. rynoshark

    rynoshark Formula 3
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    #1 rynoshark, May 8, 2013
    There are so many reproductions, etc. and even period reprints in the 1970s of the earlier posters. I'm looking at a 1965 Monaco poster that was supposedly original (bought at Sotheby's 15+ years ago). How do I determine if it is original or a later "in period" reprint?

    Thank you.
    Ryan
     
  2. Peter Tabmow

    Peter Tabmow Formula Junior

    Nov 10, 2010
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    #2 Peter Tabmow, May 8, 2013
    I don't know whether this design was a lithographic or offset print. If you able to inspect the poster in person, use a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe to determine whether the colors are solid (traditional lithography) or composed of a four-color dot pattern (offset).

    If it's an in-period reprint by the original printer, it will be hard to tell as there is a good chance the original plates will have been used in either case.

    If by another printer and the original was offset, new plates would have been required and there is a good chance you would see some level of moiré effect when using the loupe.

    In addition, even the best-preserved original would show some aging/discoloration of the paper, best checked for along the edges of the reverse side. In the 70s at least, the Monaco posters were printed in pretty large editions on non-archival semi-gloss stock, which would definitely be showing some aging by now.

    Hope that helps...
     
  3. Miltonian

    Miltonian F1 Veteran

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    #3 Miltonian, May 8, 2013
    In case this might be useful, there is a picture of the 1965 Monaco Grand Prix poster on page 242 of my copy of "Piloti Che Gente". On the bottom line of the poster, it reads
    "Maquette Michael Turner tirage special exemplaire no 000.024 Edition J.Ramel - Nice"

    I would guess that if your poster does NOT have similar lettering at the bottom, it would be highly likely that it's a repro.

    Also, I looked in an old magazine from 1969, and an ad shows the 1966 and 1967 Monaco GP posters for sale at $3.95 each. Doesn't specifically say whether or not they are reprints, just calls them "official racing posters". I think I have an old poster catalog (Oxman?) here somewhere. My "Worldway" catalog from 1970 lists the 1966, 1967, 1968, and 1969 Monaco GP posters for $2.95 each.
     
  4. 4re308

    4re308 F1 Rookie
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    Mitch D
    #4 4re308, May 9, 2013
    You should contact a fellow by the name of Tony Singer, he is the God of all auto racing posters. He is a great contact and would be able to determine originality and value. I think his site is vintageautoposters.com or something.
     
  5. rynoshark

    rynoshark Formula 3
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    #5 rynoshark, May 9, 2013
    Last edited: May 9, 2013
    Thanks for all the insights, this is really helpful. Indeed says "MAQUETTE MICHAEL TURNER" and "ÉDITION J. RAMEL-NICE" at the bottom. I looked in my Piloti Che Gente p242 and it appears to be a special copy of the poster, so I suspect the one in the book was either a reprint or one of the artist proofs perhaps. I looked at it under a microscope and the colors are solid so is traditional lithography. Size is 40 x 60 cm.

    Good tip on Tony. I've met him before but will drop him a quick line.
     
  6. Peter Tabmow

    Peter Tabmow Formula Junior

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    #6 Peter Tabmow, May 9, 2013
    If it is traditional lithography, I would say that somewhat increases the chances of it being an original... how does the paper look in terms of aging?
     

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