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Please be aware that most original movie posters were actually used at the theater and will contain slight imperfections like writing on the back, pin holes, fold wear, etc. These are all very common and to be expected, but, if they bother you, all these minor flaws can be remedied in the linen backing and restoration process.

FOLDED
Most vintage original movie posters prior to 1985 were issued folded. They came this way from the printer and it is NOT CONSIDERED A DEFECT!! The exceptions are Mylar one sheets and larger card stock posters. They were issued rolled. If these are folded then it is a flaw.

FOLD SEPARATION
A tear along the fold line of a poster. A minor flaw unless it is a large tear. Not seen when displayed!!

FOLD WEAR
As a poster ages and is opened and closed over and over, the fold lines can get worn. Usually considered a minor flaw. Can be a major flaw if fold wear is heavy and a lot of white is showing.

FOXING
Small brown spots caused by age. Comes from tiny pieces of metal trapped in the paper during the printing process. Depending on the severity, this can be a major or minor flaw.

MOLD
Depending on the severity, this can be a major or minor flaw.

SNIPE
A small (usually) sticker with additional information that is added to an original movie poster by distributors or theater managers while the movie is still in its original release. It could contain an amended rating, a review, etc. A snipe is considered a very minor defect to most collectors, however it depends on its size, location, and whether it detracts from the original image or not. If it is large and distracting and can not be removed, then it is a major flaw.

HANDLING WEAR
General term used to describe a poster that has normal minor wear and tear like pinholes, fold separations, etc.

TEAR
Depending on the severity, this can be a major or minor flaw.

CREASE
Depending on the severity and amount, this can be a major or minor flaw.

WRINKLING
Depending on the severity, this can be a major or minor flaw.

WAVINESS
Depending on the severity, this can be a major or minor flaw.

BROWNING / TANNING
As paper ages, sometimes it turns brown. Depending on the severity, this can be a major or minor flaw.

FADING
Caused by sunlight. Depending on the severity, this is almost always a MAJOR flaw.

WATER/MOISTURE DAMAGE
Depending on the severity, this can be a major or minor flaw.

MISSING PAPER
Depending on the severity, this can be a major or minor flaw.

INSECT DAMAGE
Depending on the severity, this can be a major or minor flaw.

PENCIL / PEN / CRAYON
Depending on the severity and whether it is on the front or the back, this can be a major or minor flaw.

NSS STAMP BLEED THROUGH
Sometimes the NSS stamp on the back is visible from the front. Depending on the severity, this can be a major or minor flaw. Some consider this to be a "good" flaw since it is a very important part of the history of the poster and helps to determine it's authenticity if linen backed.

FOREIGN CENSOR STAMP
Sometimes, foreign countries stamped posters on the front. Usually, it is a circular stamp 1" to 3" in diameter. Depending on the severity, this can be a major or minor flaw. It depends on its size, location, and whether it detracts from the original image or not. If it is large and distracting and can not be removed, then it is a major flaw. Some consider this to be a "good" flaw since it is a very important part of the history of the poster and helps to determine it's authenticity.

TAPE
Depending on the severity and whether it is on the front or the back, this can be a major or minor flaw.

STAIN
Depending on the severity, this can be a major or minor flaw.

HOLE
Depending on the size, this can be a major or minor flaw.

PIN HOLE
A minor flaw unless there are more than a few of them and they are distracting.

STAPLE HOLE
A minor flaw unless there are more than a few of them and they are distracting.

Thank you.

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This guide created by David A. Lieberman, CineMasterpieces.

Please see our other guides about movie posters.