This is the oldest poster I own and, unusually, it is for a movie I have never seen (or at least not that I can remember).   

This is a UK quad for one of the original Universal monster movies. The Mummy’s Hand was released in 1940 but I got this poster checked by a valuation expert at Heritage Auctions, one of the specialist poster auction houses, and he told me this is for a re-release as the featured distributor, Eros Films, did not exist before 1947. Whatever, it is an incredibly rare poster – I have Googled many times and not once have I seen this image anywhere online. 

I bought it at a movie poster fair in London years ago. I have no idea how the seller came to have it, but I found it after rummaging through box after box of uncatalogued (and mostly rubbish) posters.  I am told today its worth at least $3000.  I have been tempted to put it up for auction given the film itself does not mean anything to me, but it is such a cool and iconic image that I am torn.  Considering its age, it is in pretty good condition. 

One issue though with very old posters like this is black mould. There are a few marks which are clearly visible on the edges but also coming through the image too. It has not helped that I have foolishly displayed it in a damp room. I have been in touch with several poster restoration experts who have told me this can be cured, but it means sending off the poster to the UK or the US for treatment, which I am reluctant to do. So I think I will hold onto it for now. Given my experience of selling off the majority of my collection at auction years ago, only to see the value of individual posters skyrocket in the years since, I think I will only sell if and when I need the money. 

In the meantime, it seems like this site is the only place you will ever see this poster!