Memorabilia -> Movie Memorabilia -> Posters

Pin up posters might not have the popularity today that they once did, but most people will immediately recognize some of the most popular pin up moments from the heyday of beautiful pin up models. Marilyn Monroe was a pin up queen in her day, and any collection of pin ups should feature her in at least a few pieces. Marilyn was a popular pin up girl in the 1950s, considered a sex symbol and the epitome of beauty and glamor. She was more than just an actress, though, acclaimed for a comic performance in Some Like it Hot and her rare dramatic turn in Bus Stop. She was an idol, an icon, and one of the Hollywood legends created during that period.

A collection of pin up posters represents a phase of US history that relied heavily on entertainment in movies and magazines. World War II made entertainment at home necessary to show the country that no matter what, there were good things to look forward to and keep morale from getting too low. Entertainment also served during this period to make things look as normal as possible at home, and try to give the illusion that though we were at war, everything was all right and would remain all right. It took the emphasis off the fact that people were dying elsewhere.

Pin up posters weren’t all about Marilyn, though, she was merely one of the best-known subjects. Betty Grable was featured on perhaps the most widely recognizable pin up of all time, popular during World War II. Almost everyone who’s been exposed to entertainment media in any form, even today, is probably familiar with the shot of Grable. She’s wearing a bathing suit and standing with her back to the camera, looking over her shoulder. The seductive backward look, the high heels and the hands on her hips were all provocative at the time, and helped cement her as a sex symbol and the woman of many soldiers’ dreams. Grable had what were considered to be perfect legs, insured for $1,000,000 by her movie studio. She was even reported to be Hugh Hefner’s inspiration for his Playboy empire.

Pin up posters didn’t always feature sex symbols like Monroe and Grable in photographs. Artwork was another popular pin up subjects. Alberto Vargas fro Peru created so many pin up of beautiful and voluptuous girls that the term Vargas girl is widely recognized and often is used to refer to a drawn or painted pin up girl.

A great place to find original and reproduction pin up posters is eBay, where you can often find the original magazine covers or intact magazines featuring photography, and even artwork by well known pin up artists like Vargas. Originals are rarely in great condition, but they’re still surprisingly available. Just be sure to clarify whether it’s an original or one of the reproductions that are so popular with fan of the genre who don’t want to spend the time or money necessary to track down an original.

Originally posted 2008-10-31 05:00:06. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Memorabilia -> Opera Memorabilia

Maria Callas may be the best known female opera singer of our time. While Pavarotti is an internationally recognized name, Callas was the soprano whom most people had heard of. She was an American-born singer of Greek descent who came to be called La Divina by the opera-going community.

She was born in New York in 1923 but the family soon moved to Greece, where she received her musical education. Then she moved to Italy and established herself as a singer of note. Early in her career she was a full-figured woman, as many successful operatic singers are, but mid-career she shed 80 pounds and was often hailed as one of the most beautiful women to ever grace opera’s stage. Maria Callas also had extreme myopia, requiring thick glasses which of course couldn’t be worn on the opera stage, so she was essentially blind throughout many of her early performances.

Maria Callas often had to endure gossip in the press that sometimes seemed to overshadow the achievements of her career, including tales of her rivalry with singer Renata Tebaldi and her affair with Aristotle Onassis. When her voice began to decline, the press was not kind to her, but many fans and critics still hail her as the original diva, and the voice that defined opera.

Her official debut on the professional stage was in 1942, and very quickly critics began to take note of her voice. Even those who critically panned her could not deny that if nothing else, her voice was instantly recognizable. She was a mezzo-soprano with a range of three full octaves. Her tendency to start with the lower registers and sing them richly was often blamed for the later decline of her voice, with her having difficulty hitting the highest notes and maintaining them. Maria Callas was only 53 when she died in 1977 of a heart attack.

For those interested in Maria Callas collectibles, her recordings, particularly those on large record albums, are good items to collect, though if you’re looking for items of hers purely for listening enjoyment the remastered CDs of her performances will be the items you’ll want to purchase.

You can find books about Maria Callas, as well as recordings and other items in most online bookstores and in the larger chain bookstores. Other popular items like ticket stubs from her performances and even signed photographs can be found by looking in places like shops that deal in autographs, and online auctions like those at eBay.com

The biggest drawback to looking for Maria Callas items, particularly signed ones, at places like eBay is that you can’t be sure if the autograph is genuine. Be sure to investigate by finding known examples of her autograph online in several places, then examine the autograph on the item you’re wanting to purchase carefully to see if it’s close enough to have been written by her, without looking too perfectly exact. If it’s exact, it’s just as likely to be a fake as if it looks wildly different.

Originally posted 2008-12-10 14:00:33. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Memorabilia -> Television Memorabilia -> 1950-1959

Were you a child of the 1950’s? If so, chances are you remember the 1950’s tv shows that set the tone for our entertainment today. These shows were much loved and back in an era when choices were limited to three channels, the audience for these 1950’s tv shows was vast. As a result, the networks tried to monetize the shows by producing various types of memorabilia. If you missed out on that memorabilia when you were a kid, don’t worry! It’s come back in a big way and there are thousands of collectibles out there just waiting to be discovered.

Some of the most popular 1950’s tv show collectibles were lunch boxes. Kids would take these to school with them and enjoyed showing them off to their friends. It is still possible to find one of these collectibles in decent shape and flea markets are a great place to start your search. Whether you loved Hopalong Cassidy or Roy Rogers, these lunchboxes are highly sought after and many of them are actually pretty valuable.

Next on the list of favorite 1950’s tv show collectibles were the small figurines and toys put out by the networks. These were commonly styled after western heros or popular stars at the time. By far, the western collectibles are the most popular and it is possible to find one of these original figurines at auction for several thousand dollars. If that’s a little steep, you can head online for some great deals from other collectors and antique stores. Online auction are a great place to get 1950’s tv show collectibles.

In addition to these fan favorites, the advertising inserts that promoted these 1950’s tv shows were also quite popular. This was a totally new medium at the time and it is fascinating to look back and see how the shows were promoted and what they entailed. For those that are already collecting advertising, these collectibles hold particular value.

Numerous different types of merchandise were put out for 1950’s tv shows and you’d be surprised by just how many you can find. From six guns, to coffee mugs, tv trays, and everything else in between, if there was a show in the 1950’s you enjoyed, chances are you’ll be able to find collectibles to match it. Some shows were so hugely popular that they spawned giant fan clubs, held massive parades and enjoyed tremendous ratings. These much loved shows may no longer be on the air, but thanks to these collectibles, you can relive your memories and see just how great television was back in the day.

No matter what kind of 1950’s tv show memorabilia you’re seeking, online auctions offer the widest selection. You’ll be able to find collectibles from all over the world. Many private collectors use these services to sell of parts of their collections and antique stores and private dealers also use these services to sell merchandise. If all else fails, check out your local second hand stores, garage sales or flea markets.

Photo Credits: Alan Light

Originally posted 2008-10-01 14:00:53. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Collectibles -> Memorabilia -> Movie Memorabilia -> Autographs – Original: Autographs – Reprints

If you are looking for a great collector’s item that is in high demand, one of the hottest items you can find are Marilyn Monroe pictures. These photographs are always popular, but you may not always be getting the real thing. Here are some tips to help you get the best Marilyn Monroe pictures that are authentic. Make a smart investment be an informed buyer.

1. Certified Authentication

   Ask for a certificate. A reliable seller that has an actual photo of Marilyn Monroe will typically be willing to provide you with at least some form of authentication. Unless they are the original owner of the picture or took it on their own, somewhere along the line there should have been a certificate issued. While not having a certificate does not mean that the item is fake, it should give you pause and make you rethink the purchase a bit.

2. Reasearch

   See how many identical Marilyn Monroe pictures there are. Many times, someone will claim to have an authentic, only of it’s kind of photo, but with a little research you can determine on your own if that claim is valid. Do a photo search on Google, and see if you can find an identical picture. If you can, chances are the picture being sold is not authentic or at the very least, is not an original.

3. Color Over Black and White

   Look for color Marilyn Monroe pictures. By far, the pictures that are the most valuable for Marilyn are the ones that are in full color. They are more expensive, but you are getting more value for your money. However, black and white photos can also bring in a high asking price, especially if they are originals or from a private collection.

4. Careful With Sigantures

   Be wary of signatures. While there are many authentic Marilyn Monroe photos out there that are indeed signed, there are a lot more reproductions. If you do find a seller with one of these and a certificate, definitely take advantage of the deal. These are incredibly rare. Most likely however, you will be dealing with a reproduction and the picture may actually be worthless.

5. Buyer Beware

   If the deal seems to good to be true, it probably is. If someone is claiming to have an authentic Marilyn Monroe picture and they are selling it for a pittance, chances are it is not an authentic original. Steer clear of these deals and save your money for the collectibles that are truly valuable.

   There is nothing wrong with buying a reproduction of a Marilyn Monroe picture, especially if you are aware of it. In most cases, a photo like this is bought only to enhance a private collection and not for an investment. However, if you are looking for a picture as an investment, you do need to do plenty of research to make sure that you are getting a good deal before you put your money on the table.

With care and effort, you can find a great original Marilyn Monroe picture that will enhance your personal collection and provide you with a nice little investment.

Originally posted 2008-08-11 05:00:24. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Memorabilia -> Movie Memorabilia -> Collector Plates

One of the most common types of memorabilia for the entertainment world are collector plates. These decorative items adorn the homes of many, but they may not be aware of just how valuable these small collectibles are. While there are plenty of collector plates that have only sentimental value, you can find some that are actually worth quite a lot of money.

1. Gone With the Wind

This much loved movie produced numerous memorabilia items and collector plates are very valuable. Look for plates that were produced back when the film was released. Although you can find brand new ones today, they are not as valuable as the limited editions that were produced in 1939. The most valuable collector plates will be in perfect condition and may also contain a matching stand.

2. The Wizard of Oz Collector Plates

It is ironic that two of the most collectible types of plates are dedicated to movies that were released in the same year. The Wizard of Oz collectible plates are also incredibly valuable, especially if you can find originals that were put out right after the movie was released. These may be a bit old and the colors may have faded a bit, but many of these plates will sell for more than a few hundred dollars, if not even more, at auction.

3. Sports Heroes

Collectible plates that are dedicated to big sport’s heroes are also very popular and may hold extra value. These plates are usually released at the height of an athlete’s career or right after they accomplish something extraordinary. It is best to try to get these when they are first produced, as later issues may not be as valuable. There are thousands of different collectible plates for sports heroes and chances are you’ll be able to find the one you admire the most.

4. Disney Collector Plates

Once again, the older the collector plate, the more valuable it will be. This is certainly true of Disney plates and you can actually find many incredible deals, if you pay attention. Look for plates that were produced during the 1930’s to the 1950’s for the most valuable items. Today’s plates however may be worth something in the future, so it is best to take good care of them now.

If you are interested in getting into collector plates, there are some great resources to find them. The first place to look is at a local flea market, or even a garage sale. You’ll be surprised at just how many top dollar collector plates are actually discovered this way. Your next option is to visit an antique dealer, as they frequently carry these popular items.

You can also find great collector plates at online auction sites and the variety is usually quite large. However, you’ll need to make sure that the plate comes with a certificate of authenticity, especially since you won’t be able to examine the plate in person, before you make your purchase. This will help to ensure that you are getting an actual collector’s item.

Photo credits: Le Petit Poulailler

Originally posted 2008-09-11 05:00:41. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Memorabilia -> Celebrity

Grace Kelly, who became Princess Grace of Monaco, is a film legend and one of the most recognizable names the world over. Her life seemed to be rather like a fairy tale, at least once she began acting. A leading lady who starred opposite huge stars like Jimmy Stewart, William Holden and Cary Grant, Kelly married Monaco’s Prince Rainier and became a Princess, loved not only by her film fans but an entire country, and many across the world for the good deeds she did for her second country of citizenship.

An Academy Award winning actress, Grace Kelly had a special friendship with Alfred Hitchcock, who featured her in many of his movies. Dial M for Murder was the movie that really brought her to the public consciousness but she went on to dazzle in Rear Window with Jimmy Stewart and To Catch a Thief, as well as other classic hit movies.

She was 27 years old when she became a princess in 1956, after years of rumors about affairs with some of her leading men, none of which could be confirmed and none of which led to serious public affairs. She wed Prince Rainer of Monaco and became known as Her Serene Highness, the Princess of Monaco, officially, but was known for the rest of her life simply as Princess Grace.

She wanted to return to acting when Hitchcock offered her a role in his film Marnie, but the people of Monaco and the other royalty rebelled against the idea of their princess acting in American films. Rainer had even gone so far, long before that, to forbid her films to be screened in his country. Albert II, the Sovereign Prince of Monaco currently, is the son of Rainer and Grace Kelly.

She was born in Philadelphia in 1929, and seemed to know she was destined to be a star when she was young. Whether or not she predicted she’d grow up to be a princess isn’t known. As Princess of Monaco, she did work to help orphans, and she helped improve the art culture in Monaco. She also spoke out about the importance of breastfeeding.

Grace Kelly also stood up against racism by storming out of New York’s Stork Club in 1951 when Josephine Baker was refused entrance. She left with Baker’s party and never returned to the club. She remained a friend to Baker throughout her life, helped her before she’d made her comeback in the 70s, and even arranged for her burial in Monaco after her death.

Anyone who loves classic films is no doubt familiar with Grace Kelly and her work. She is the first actress to appear on a US postage stamp, and a commemorative Euro from Monaco features her profile. Stamps, coins, films and other memorabilia have value to a Grace Kelly fan, whether it was her acting talent that impressed a collector to want to surround themselves with items from her era, or her whirlwind and fairytale-like rise to become Monaco’s beloved Princess Grace.

Originally posted 2008-12-10 05:00:37. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Memorabilia -> Entertainment-Memorabilia -> Music-Memorabilia

Bo Diddley is a legend, both for his guitar playing and his role as one of the first influences in modern rock ‘n roll. Born Ellas Othas Bates in Mississippi in 1928, he later became known as the “originator” because he was one of the first to move from playing the blues to playing rock ‘n roll. He started out playing violin and trombone in his church’s orchestra, but became captivated by the guitar and rhythmic gospel music.

Inspired by the music of John Lee Hooker, he started playing the music he loved with his friends, sometimes performing on street corners or for tips in night spots. He became a regular at the same club where Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker regularly performed in 1951 in Chicago. Then in 1954, he put together a band and made some demo recordings. One of those songs, Bo Diddley, became a #1 hit R & B single in 1955.

The Bo Diddley beat was a distinctive rhythm he often used in his music, a rumba-like beat he became known for. He was also recognized for his innovations with the guitar. His music often followed the same chord throughout the song, but had unusual rhythms and changes that made it dynamic. He often played an unusual looking guitar shaped like a box that he built himself in 1958. He also played the violin on some of his recordings. The songs he wrote were often witty takes or humorous versions of folk music.

When he appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1955, Bo Diddley got himself banned from ever appearing again by going against the show’s wishes. He had been asked to sing a Merle Travis song, but instead sang his hit “Bo Diddley.” Despite Ed Sullivan’s anger and pronouncement that he wouldn’t last six months, Diddley had hit after hit through the 50s and 60s, and released 11 albums.

Bo Diddley wasn’t just a pioneer in musical styles or types of guitar, but in other areas, too. He was one of the first musicians to set up his own recording studio at his home. And he was also one of the first men to have women in his band. A woman led his band for the last 25 years he performed, in fact.

He went on to perform with well known acts, and receive numerous awards and distinctions from the musical community and from his fans. Bo Diddley appeared in a small part in the 1983 film Trading Places, and made commercials for Nike. His songs have been covered by a variety of acts over the years, and his birthplace has even been given a Mississippi Blues Trail historical marker to honor his contribution to the art form.

He’s only been gone since June, 2008, so his contributions to musical world continued until recently, even though he was less active in the months and years leading up to his death. eBay is a wonderful place to find Bo Diddley memorabilia like old vinyl albums and recordings.

Originally posted 2008-12-28 14:00:11. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Memorabilia -> Movie Memorabilia -> Posters

Vintage pin-up posters represent a popular movie and magazine phase of US history. The ultimate pin-up girl was Marilyn Monroe, without whom no collection of vintage pin-ups would be complete. She was the pin-up queen of the 1950s, a sex symbol, and was considered one of the most beautiful and glamorous women of the time. Her comic performances were praised, and her dramatic turn in Bus Stop earned her critical acclaim. Marilyn won a Golden Globe for her performance in Some Like it Hot. But more than a model an actress, she was an icon of the time, and one of the most photographed women ever.

While Marilyn is probably the best known pin-up girl, a number of other models were among the most popular gracing posters and magazine covers. Betty Grable vintage pin-up posters represent the most popular pin-up of the World War II era. Even if you don’t know who she is, you’ve probably seen her famous bathing-suit pin-up where she’s standing with her back to the camera in high heels and a swimsuit, hands on hips, and looking over her shoulder to smile. Grable’s legs were considered the ideal proportion at the time, and were even insured by the movie studio for $1,000,000. Hugh Hefner cites Grable as his inspiration for starting the Playboy empire.

Celebrities who were thought of as sex symbols at the time like Monroe and Grable were often photographed for pin-ups, but artwork is another popular category of vintage pin-up posters. These were usually idealized images of feminine beauty. Many highly collectible pin-ups aren’t photographs at all, but artwork but some of the most well-known artists of the time. Original vintage prints are available in online auctions, and they’re surprisingly affordable, making them great for collectors of all means and budgets.

One of the most well-known pin-up artists is Alberto Vargas from Peru, who was probably the most prolific glamor artist of them all. He started out as an illustrator for Butterick Patterns and the Adelson Hat Company. In 1919, he was discovered by the Ziegfeld Follies while painting a store window. That lead to work painting in the Amsterdam theater and introduced him to the Follies’ stars, all of whom he painted over the next 12 years. Later he worked for Paramount, Warner Bros and MGM. His first calendar of American girls was put out by Esquire under the name Varga in 1940, at Esquire’s insistence, but after they split in 1946 he resorted to using his full name. He put out his own calendar, took lots of commercial work, and did over 150 paintings for Playboy, including two covers.

Many vintage pin-up posters are referred to as “Vargas” or “Vargas girls” when in fact they were created by other artists of the era. When purchasing any pin-up, be sure the description makes it clear that it’s an original vintage item and not a reproduction.

Photo Credits: Foxtongue

Originally posted 2008-10-11 14:00:43. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Memorabilia -> Music Memorabilia -> Rock, Pop-> The Beatles

Out of all of the rock groups that rose to prominence in the 1960’s, none took the world by storm quite like The Beatles and since then, Beatles memorabilia has been a hot commodity. There are fans that have built up incredible collections throughout the years and when something does come up for auction, the reaction is usually incredible. If you are just getting into collecting Beatles memorabilia, there are quite a few different things that you can collect.

First, there are the limited edition LP’s, or the rare ones that still have all of their original covers and artwork. These are a rare piece of Beatles memorabilia that are still affordable for most collectors. If you do find an LP, it’s best to keep it safe and not to play it, since it can reduce the overall value. Look for an LP that is not scratched if at possible, and ideally, it would have never been used. The cover should be easy to read and in very good shape as well. If you can find this kind of Beatles memorabilia, you’re really in for a treat.

Next up, you can find Beatles memorabilia in the form of rare recording, both audio and video. These are a lot of fun to collect and many people have found that their private selection of audio tapes or even old videos are worth quite a bit of money. From pieces that were actually filmed by fans to old studio copies that are worth a mint, this is a great type of Beatles memorabilia that is very popular.

The 1960’s also brought in the advent of merchandising and Beatles memorabilia is no stranger to this. You can find literally thousands of different types of merchandising collectibles, from lunch boxes, to maps, posters, thermoses and everything else under the sun. These are generally worth less money that the usual audios or LP’s, but every once in awhile you can come across a great find. Look for merchandising collectibles that are either still in their original packaging, or those that are in very good shape.

Last but not least, autographs and photos are probably the most popular and valuable type of Beatles memorabilia. If you are just interested in getting an autograph for your own personal collection, they are not that hard to maintain and some may not be that expensive. However, for the true collector, it can take years to find the right Beatles memorabilia and autographs, especially if you are trying to build up a collection of all four, or even one that may include the legendary “fifth Beatle.”

The Beatles touched the hearts and minds of many generations and there are few groups that could lay claim to such a worldwide phenomenon. Whether you were a fan back then, or you’ve become a fan now, collecting Beatles memorabilia is a great way to express that appreciation of a group that changed the face of the music industry as we knew it.

Originally posted 2008-08-30 14:00:04. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Memorabilia -> Music Memorabilia -> Rock, Pop-> Bon Jovi

One of the biggest rock bands of the 1980’s is still popular today and as such, many people are still trying to find their posters. Whether you are a new fan of the group, or you remember a certain poster that you had of them back in the 1980’s or 1990’s, it’s a lot of fun to see if you can track down a Bon Jovi poster for your own private collection. These may not be incredibly valuable when it comes to actual price, but when it comes to emotional value, they are very valuable indeed to many collectors.

Before you purchase a Bon Jovi poster, here are a few things to think about.

1. What is the overall condition of the poster?

In order to make sure that you will be getting the best value for your money, you’ll need to make sure that the Bon Jovi poster is in good condition. Try to find one that does not have rips or tears, or any tape marks on it. If the poster is used, that may be pretty hard, but you can come across some every once in awhile. Ideally, the poster should not be used, but those can be nearly impossible to find.

2. Is the Bon Jovi poster autographed?

In order to get a poster that is really valuable, it’s a good idea to see if you can find one that has been autographed. These can be worth thousands, depending on the condition of the poster and when it was signed. If you’re serious about collecting this type of memorabilia, it’s best to hold off and wait for that autographed copy. You may end up paying a little more for it initially, but it will be worth more over time, especially if you keep it in good condition.

3. Is the poster original?

This has become quite a problem lately, thanks to the wide availability of wide format printers and graphic artists. In order to make sure you are getting an authentic Bon Jovi poster, you may need to research the seller and ask to see a copy of the back of the poster before you buy it. If the price seems to be a bit low, or if the seller has several copies of the same poster for sale, chances are it is a reproduction and although you may find it valuable personally, it’s overall value will be nil.

4. When was the poster made?

The newer Bon Jovi posters aren’t worth as much as the ones that were produced when the band first made it big. In order to make sure you are getting a great deal, look for older posters from the 1980’s. They are not the easiest to find, but you will be able to score a great deal if you do come across one.

Start shopping for your Bon Jovi poster and see if you can’t uncover a rare deal – or even a signed copy for your collection.

Photo Credits: rhonogle

Originally posted 2008-09-14 05:00:56. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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