Rare 80-year-old poster to go on auction

A rare 80-year-old poster advertising luxury coach trips from the north east to Blackpool, is set to fetch around £600 at an auction in America.
A rare 80-year-old poster advertising luxury coach trips from the north east to Blackpool, is set to fetch around £600 at an auction in America.A rare 80-year-old poster advertising luxury coach trips from the north east to Blackpool, is set to fetch around £600 at an auction in America.
A rare 80-year-old poster advertising luxury coach trips from the north east to Blackpool, is set to fetch around £600 at an auction in America.

The 20x30ins poster, produced in 1934 by coach operators Northern Ribble, is emblazoned with the words ‘Blackpool: daily express service from May 12. Latest type 1934 luxury saloon coaches.’

It is expected to sell for between $700 and $1,000 (£500-£700) in the Vintage Posters sale at Swann Auction Galleries in New York on February 11.

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Despite its age, the poster is in what auctioneers Swann describe as “A” condition, which means that it is in “much the same state as when it was printed: The colours are fresh, there is no signifcant paper loss or tears, but there might be some slight blemish, creases or scuffing.”

In 1934, when this poster was produced, things were a lot less expensive in Blackpool. That year the average British house cost £515, a pint of bitter cost seven pence (that’s seven old pennies,or about 3p in modern money) and a gallon of petrol cost one shilling and fourpence halfpenny

In 1934, Blackpool finished 11th in the old Second Division (now known as the Championship) nine places higher than struggling Manchester United who finished third from bottom in the second division in 1933-1934 .

At Christie’s South Kensington, in London, on June 4 last year a poster advertising Blackpool Lido sold for £875.