An original, lithographic, first-run lobby card for the iconic horror film Dracula (Universal, 1931) featuring a vibrant color image of the film's legendary star, Bela Lugosi.

The artwork on the lobby card depicts Lugosi as Dracula behind a spider web, which has caught the heads of the three Brides of Dracula (Geraldine Dvorak, Dorothy Tree, and Cornelia Thaw) and Dracula's newest obsession, Mina (Helen Chandler).

This lobby card is an extremely rare offering as few authentic promotional materials from 1931 still exist for the film. The piece has gone through an extensive authentication process of physical and microscopic analysis. This analysis confirms that the paper stock of the card is fibrous, matte, and consistent with early 1930s lobby card production as it is uncoated and easily chipped; no CMYK dot matrix or digital grid patterns present; organic, irregular ink application is consistent with 1930s lithographic presses; full ink absorption into natural pulp fibers, not sitting atop glossy or coated stock; and no fluorescence or hidden overlays visible when held to light.

Wear is present throughout including minor edge tears and chipping (most prominently at the lower right), several original-use pinholes, and mounting residue and wear on the verso, which is typical of displayed period cards. The card does feature minor restoration work, which includes color touch, tear seals, cleaning, and reinforcing. The most prominent restoration is a tear seal at the center of the card, whose sealant is visible on the verso. This card was previously graded 3.5 by CGC.

Notable text present on the card includes “Made in USA” in the lower right and “Country of Origin and Production USA” in the lower left (faded). The card also features the name of the famed producer, “Carl Laemmle……. presents,” at the top, as well as the tagline evocative tagline, “The Vampire Thriller," below the film's title.

11 x 14 x 0.25 in; 27.94 x 35.56 x 0.64 cm

For a condition report, please email [email protected] more than 48 hours before the auction.

Please note: The absence of information regarding condition in this lot description does not indicate that no condition issues are present. Please contact us for a condition report, and with any questions prior to bidding. It is the bidder's responsibility to request a condition report in order to determine their own opinions on condition, provenance, and validity before placing bids. Condition reports are rendered as an opinion by the staff of Julien's Auctions and not as statements of fact, we are not responsible for any discrepancies between this information and other opinions. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy to assist you in assessing the condition of the lot. In accordance with the terms and conditions of sale, as agreed to by bidders upon registering for an auction, all sales are final and all lots are sold "as-is."