So many heralds printed but so few survived

HONDO

When one reads the above  details appearing on The Masked Woman herald that was printed in the U.S.A.in 1927, what jumped out at me was that the numbers available to be ordered were up to 10,000. Even the minimum amount an exhibitor could order was 1,000. The mind boggles as to how many heralds would have been ordered and despatched to cinemas for handing out. The sad thing is how few from this period survived. Discarding of unwanted heralds after reading must have been the norm.

Bruce

The theaters had employees go to busy corners and thrust one into the hands of EVERYONE who walked by. 99% of those either went on the ground or into the nearest trash can. And since employees were told to stay there until they were all handed out (which was no fun, since many people did not like being accosted), it was not unusual for the employees themselves to simply toss a bunch of them into a trash can when no one was looking and say "Done"!

HONDO

A question to David. Is a ballpark figure avaikable as to the average condition of any 1920's and 1930's heralds you have seen over the years ?

theartofmovieposters

Most of the ones I have for Aussie Films are in Fine or better condition.  Basically unused.

My two cents

CSM_2_Point_0

I think Rick has quite a few Aussie heralds??

David

HONDO said:

A question to David. Is a ballpark figure available as to the average condition of any 1920's and 1930's heralds you have seen over the years ?

Not seen too many to be honest but from memory the ones I have were in excellent condition. I think due to size most ended up inside folders, drawers etc so were well preserved and well forgotten

Bruce

I guess you guys don't know that in addition to tens of thousands of pressbooks I also have many thousands of heralds!

There are two types. One are the ones you see with theater info printed on them. The others were samples put in pressbooks (in the early days, "tipped in") and those always have ordering info on the reverse. I don't know any collectors who value one kind over the other.

The reason most of the ones you see are in great condition is that, while there have been a very few herald collections found, most often the ones that survive are stacks of the same one that never got passed out.

This is why most heralds are either extremely rare or extremely common.

HONDO

Sorry David I am unable to see the 9 images you posted today.

HONDO

Bruce said:

I guess you guys don't know that in addition to tens of thousands of pressbooks I also have many thousands of heralds!

There are two types. One are the ones you see with theater info printed on them. The others were samples put in pressbooks (in the early days, "tipped in") and those always have ordering info on the reverse. I don't know any collectors who value one kind over the other.

The reason most of the ones you see are in great condition is that, while there have been a very few herald collections found, most often the ones that survive are stacks of the same one that never got passed out.

This is why most heralds are either extremely rare or extremely common.

Thanks Bruce. I believe the same situation occurred in Australia regarding the information you provided on the last three lines of your reply. The heralds that have turned up in many cases are multiples and in excellent condition such as Lovers And Luggers.

David

HONDO said:

Sorry David I am unable to see the 9 images you posted today.

Try again...

Rick

I've got a stack of late 30s, inc Snow White, Wizard of Oz, Invisible Man, Destry Rides Again, plus Elvis titles from the 60s.

Gee, i wish David would learn how to post photos here!

David

Rick said:

Gee, i wish David would learn how to post photos here!

I know....I'm such a noob

Rick

You are, and as punishment please donate Frankenstein, Mummy and Waltzing Matilda to my collection.

I have some nice early Aussie titles, including 40,000 Horsemen and Flying Doctors, plus some Dad and Daves.

HONDO

Great material David.

David

HONDO said:

Great material David.

I'll be here all week, try the veal...

HONDO

Pancho

A lot of my heralds have probably survived by being stored inside the related pressbooks for decades. One of my favourites: