5 January 2026
Sophie Churcher
Authenticating a vintage poster is an essential first step for collectors, sellers and anyone interested in historic graphic design. While professional expertise is always recommended, there are several clear indicators specialists look for when determining whether a poster is original.
Using a classic travel poster by Roger Broders, produced for La Savoie, Tomkinson Churcher Poster Specialist Sophie Churcher outlines the key elements that help establish authenticity.
One of the first things to examine is the size of the poster. The Roger Broders example we have used measures approximately 40 x 25 inches, a standard format for early 20th-century travel posters.
This matters because posters were produced to fit specific hoardings and display frames, particularly in railway stations and public spaces. As a result, original posters tend to conform to a small number of consistent dimensions. Deviations from these standard sizes can be an early warning sign.
Most original posters include a printer’s imprint, usually found along the bottom margin and occasionally at the top.
This imprint identifies:
In some cases, the date may be absent, as it is here, but the presence of a printer’s mark is still a strong indicator of originality and period production.
Many vintage travel posters were commissioned by transport companies, tourism boards or government bodies. In this example, the PLM logo appears at the top.
PLM stands for Paris–Lyon–Méditerranée, the French railway company that commissioned a large number of iconic travel posters in the early 20th century. Recognising these logos helps confirm both authenticity and original purpose.
The printing technique is one of the most telling indicators of authenticity.
On close inspection, this poster shows:
These characteristics are consistent with stone lithography, the dominant printing method for posters in the 1920s and 1930s. Later reproductions often show modern printing traits such as digital dot patterns, glossy finishes, or inconsistent colour layering.
Authenticating a poster is about building a complete picture, rather than relying on a single detail. Dimensions, printer’s marks, commissioning logos, and printing techniques all work together to establish whether a poster is an original work from its period.
For collectors, these factors affect value, rarity, and desirability. For sellers, they form the foundation of accurate valuation and successful presentation at auction.
If you own a vintage poster and would like professional advice on authenticity or value, a specialist consultation is always recommended. Our experts can assess subtle details that go beyond the basics, including paper quality, colour registration, and market context. Contact us for a free valuation now.
