If you had $12,000 dollars, would you spend it on a poster?It may happen at the 6th Annual Vintage Poster Art Auction this Saturday. One of the more rare posters valued at $10,000 to $12,000 is John Ford’s “Iron Horse” (1924), a Western silent film. “It is the only known copy of ‘Iron Horse'” said Morris Everett Jr., owner of Last Moving Picture Company.The poster is printed in stone lithography, which is printing through the use of small dots. This process was used until the World War II in the U.S.”Stone lithography is more like a painting compared to the modern posters that use photos,” Morris said.The scenic poster of an American Indian perched above rocks with buffalo clouds is beautiful, claims Marty Davis of Vintage Film Posters and partner in auction.Rarity is another reason the “Iron Horse” poster is such a gem.Another factor that adds value to movie posters is the size – the larger the poster, the more rare it is.Condition can also increase the price of a poster. Posters that are backed in linen, making them bendable, can add up to $150 to the value of a poster. Posters of silent films add value because they are so rare. Other pricey posters include “Army Game” (1926) with Louise Brooks and W.C. Fields, valued from $8,000 to $10, 000, and “Moon Over Miami,” valued from $4,000 to $6,000.”I suspect there are a combination of reasons why people pay what they do for a movie poster,” said Steve Haynes of Cinevent. “It is a combination of the desire to have something from that movie, rarity and future value.”Big spenders on vintage posters in the past have included Bruce Willis, Michael Jackson and large corporations including Disney and Columbia Pictures.Some of these rare and old movie posters are found in attics. Old window cards, which are smaller 14-inch by 22-inch movie advertisements, were used many years ago as insulation in homes. Most of this movie memorabilia are from collectors and movie buff magazines.A majority of the profits from the auction go to the collectors. “There is something for everyone at the auction,” Everett said. 600 lots of original movie memorabilia from horror/sci-fi, musical, comedy and adventure will be at the auction. Some newer and less pricey items include posters from “The Graduate” and “Star Wars.””There will be posters starting at $0 and may go for $20,” Everett said.A full color catalog of the posters on auction is $25 and a black and white catalog is $10. Bids can be placed currently by phone and at the event on Saturday. The poster auction will be held in conjunction with the 30th Annual Cinevent ’98.Cinevent, held May 22 through May 25, features a gathering of 800 silent and early film fans from around the world. Classic flicks will be shown starting today at 1 p.m. and will continue until Monday 11:30 a.m. with lunch and dinner breaks and a 10-hour break set aside each evening to catch some rest.Everything imaginable associated with film will cover 170 tables, from autographs to books.Registration for Cinevent is $20 in advance or $25 at the door.Cinevent ’98 and the Vintage Poster Art Auction will take place at the Radisson North Hotel.