Collecting Horror Movie Memorabilia

The Golden Age of Horror began in the 1930s with such movies as "Frankenstein" and "Dracula". Monsters have evolved a lot since then. But, people have come to seek out vintage horror memorabilia.

Always look for well-known characters like Wolf-man, The Mummy or Dracula when purchasing a piece of horror collectible items. The more people who know who the characters are, the better the value of the item. That does not mean other characters are not collectible. Just be aware that their value is less.

An original Dracula window card was recently sold for $7,000 in auction. A framed 1932 London ad for "Frankenstein" is worth around $1,000. "A Creature from the Black Lagoon" manual in 3-D from 1954 is selling for over $600. A "Mark of the Vampire" with Bella Lugosi handbill is worth over $100. These are very rare items, so don't be overwhelmed in thinking you need these to start a collection.

Anything horror related, especially vintage paper items, are worth collecting.

"Creature from the Black Lagoon" items are extremely hot right now as well as its sequel. If you haven't seen the movie watch it first to see what the excitement is all about.

You do not need to seek original first movie items. Sequels from any of vintage horror movies and even re-released materials are sought after by collectors. The more unusual the item is, the bigger its value.

Most of the highest valuable items are in black and white and include items like handbills, ads, displays, manuals and promotional sheets. Keep that in mind, but if you see something you like buy it. Don't limit yourself by value alone.

Another horror item to seek are horror comics like "Horror Stories" which sold for 15 cents and are now worth around $100 apiece.

Even items from comical horror movies such as "Abbott & Costello Meets Frankenstein" are worth money.

And keep your eyes open for horror action figures, model kits and vintage Halloween masks in good condition in box. Many of these were made in the 1960-70s and are still being made today. Vintage ones can range in from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

A good time to find them is around Halloween so keep your eyes open and start your search in thrift stores. Many valuable collector items are found at Goodwill and tag sales. And, a check on eBay is always a good idea.

Remember, in time Freddy Krueger, Jason and Michael Myers items will be valuable as well. As long as someone enjoys it, someone will want it. So keep getting scared and keep collecting.