Movie Memorabilia Buying Guide
Make your favorite movies a part of your life, on- and off-screen. From publicity or autographed photos 
and posters to actual props used on the set, movie memorabilia is a vast universe unto itself. Although some pieces can go for thousands of dollars, most people will collect for fun and the thrill of the hunt.
Looking for a gift for a movie fan? Get an item from his/her beloved films and it will be cherished.
Types of Memorabilia
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Posters - You can find promotional film posters, foreign film posters or even foreign versions of U.S. released movies.
- Posters from classic movies in good condition are rare and can be pricey.
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Publicity Items |
Set Items - Authentic props and wardrobes from the set are probably the most sought-after items in the film memorabilia business. These can be expensive and there are reproductions in circulation.
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Autographs - A good way to start out a collection.
- Make sure the signature is authentic.
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Authenticating
This is most important part of collecting. You don't want to buy some memorabilia and find out years later that it's a fake. There are some ways to keep this to a minimum. Authenticating services and other methods prove authenticity, but you'll always want to do some research on the item you want to buy. In some cases a reproduction may be fine of value -- just make sure you're paying a reproduction price.
- Third Party Authenticators -- This is the best way to authenticate an autograph, short of getting your items signed in person. Authenticators are independent and unbiased, but look for reputable ones like Collectors Universe or dealers who are members of the Universal Autograph Collectors Club.
- Some expert advice from the Horror-wood Webzine that's specific to movie props and set items, but important for obtaining authentic memorabilia.
- Sources -- Try to buy from someone you feel you can trust or try to buy from someone who worked on the finished film.
- Ask about behind-the-scenes photos from the seller if he/she worked on the film.
- Details -- Look for signs of wear -- scratches or other markings -- that shows the item was used on the set and not a backup prop. Used items will rarely be in perfect condition.
- Look at the damaged areas and try to match them up with film stills or freeze frames.
- Look for a tag or number marking the piece. Studios use these to keep track of items.
- Ask for buyer references. If the seller is legitimate, then he shouldn't have any issues with keeping up good business practices. Be cautious with sellers who aren't willing to answer questions or try to steer you in one direction or another.
- Always get a Certificate of Authenticity stating where the seller got the item from and whether it was used on the film set or as a backup prop.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions and get as many opinions as you can on the item.
Pricing
Pricing can be a little difficult to measure. It all really depends on how much you're willing to spend, but there are a few factors to help guide you along.
- Age and rarity play a big role in pricing. More current memorabilia will obviously be easier to find than older films. Similarly, an actress who has just won an Oscar will be higher sought than one who's lesser known.
- A deceased actor or actress's signature is usually worth more.
- The better condition the item, the more it should be worth.
- Content can greatly affect the value. Handwritten letters or messages that provide some kind of context or insight into the author's character may be more valuable than a straightforward autographed 8x10.
- Some expert collectors recommend looking up completed sales on auction sites like Ebay to get a sense of current market prices.
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