Antique Old Vintage Original Historical Photographs Pictures
Famous old photos from the 1800s
Rare Original Vintage Historical Photography

Spellbinding Stories Without Uttering a Word

"Nothing Captures History Like a Picture"

Historical photos hold a unique allure and captivate our imagination for a simple yet profound reason: they offer a genuine glimpse into the past, freezing a moment in time with unparalleled authenticity. Unlike artistic interpretations of historical events, historical photographers have captured tangible records that document real people, places, and moments. They become portals through which we can connect with the past, witnessing the raw emotions, the genuine expressions, and the unfiltered reality of bygone eras.

When we gaze upon a historical photograph, we are transported to the actual scene, standing as silent witnesses to history unfolding before our eyes. We can sense the atmosphere, feel the energy, and immerse ourselves in the intricate details of that specific moment. The power of historical photos lies in their ability to evoke empathy, stirring our emotions and fostering a deeper understanding of the human experience.

While art certainly has its own merits in depicting historical events through the lens of an artist's interpretation, it inevitably introduces an element of subjectivity. Artists infuse their unique perspectives, emotions, and creative liberties into their works, shaping their own narrative and vision of the past. On the other hand, historical photos provide an unfiltered window into reality, transcending personal biases or interpretations.

Moreover, historical photos serve as invaluable primary sources for researchers, historians, and storytellers. They serve as a visual testimony, allowing us to piece together the intricate puzzle of the past and gain insights that words alone cannot convey. They preserve memories, document cultural shifts, and bear witness to both celebrated moments and forgotten narratives.

In essence, historical photos possess an intrinsic power that stems from their authenticity and ability to transport us back in time. They hold a fascination that stems from the notion that we are glimpsing real people, real places, and real moments that have shaped our collective history. Their enduring appeal lies in their ability to bridge the gap between the present and the past, inviting us to explore and connect with the stories and experiences that have shaped our world.

Vintage photos capturing the nostalgic essence of vintage Hollywood are becoming more and more desirable. Collectors are now paying top value for quality original photos. For example, vintage horror photos like Dracula and Frankenstein have recently sold for over $5000.   A Marilyn Monroe unsigned publiclity photo sold not long ago for $7000. The same is true for Vintage Sports, in particular Baseball and Boxing. A recent online auction of vintage baseball photos included a number of photos selling over $10,000. Marilyn Monroe photographer stills for $5000-10000.. Like all other categories of vintage memorabilia, collectors are setting premiums for rare items with great visual appeal.

TYPE I Photography:

In the world of historic photography, a "Type 1" photo holds paramount significance.   A Type 1 photo refers to a print that was made within a few years of the original negative being exposed. It is considered the most desirable and valuable form of a photograph because it embodies a direct link to the past, capturing the essence of the moment almost immediately after it was documented.
The significance of a Type 1 photo lies in its authenticity and historical relevance. Being produced in close proximity to the event or subject being photographed, it preserves the truest representation of the original scene, devoid of alterations or reinterpretations. As a result, these images are cherished by collectors, historians, and enthusiasts alike for their ability to offer a genuine glimpse into the past.


  

 A Brief History of Vintage Movie Stills

Movie stills (photos) have been issued by studios since the earliest days of cinema. They were sent in limited numbers direct from the studio's publicity department to theaters and the media to promote a new release and the film's stars. Hence, the term "wire photos". These printings had very short printing runs, and the stills became in essence "limited edition" prints.

Most movie stills show a movie scene, but also include stunning portrait shots and fascinating candids. Studios recognized the great promotional value of these stills to entice moviegoers into the theater, and often spared no expense in creating beautiful scene stills, portraits and candids taken by some of Hollywood's most accomplished photographers. Many stills are like works of art in themselves and have become iconic images of cinema and 20th Century culture.
Since the late '60s stills have taken their place along movie posters and lobby cards as desirable and highly collectible cinema artifacts. More and more collectors are becoming aware of these stills and how desirable they are to collect and/or display.

A Brief History of Vintage Sports Stills and Wire Service Photos

From One of the Largest Quality Vintage Original and Wire Service Photo collections ever assembled direct from (3) different sportswriters' and their working libraries. Original Vintage Photos are 'from the period' and are 'FIRST generation' pieces (unless clearly stated). Wire Service Photos were extensively used in print media during the first half of the 1900's. Issued by news agencies (such as Acme, NEA, International News, Associated Press, UPI, Fotogram,) only to the press, these Gorgeous pieces capture a historical moment, frozen in time, as they were issued on the day the event happened. Unfortunately they were issued in extremely limited quantities solely for print media industry usage (it is estimated that there were approximately 25 - 50 of EACH particular photograph made). Over the years, many were destroyed or lost, and in some cases, there are only 1 or 2 specimens known to exist today of a particular photograph making these Original, First Generation Vintage Photographic relics Outstanding Investments. (NOTE: Original Photos or Wire Photos can be distinguished from contemporary reproduction photographs or "copies" (which are worthless, many of which you'll see on eBay for a dime a dozen) by one or more of the following signs: (1) the photographer or news agency stamp (2) the news print/caption attached on the reverse (and on the obverse for many post-1950's pieces), (3) age of the photographic paper stock.
 

Here’s why original vintage publicity photos actually used to promote the films original release are sometimes more exciting and desirable then the movie posters. 

1.  The images are usually unique and Only captured by studio photographers specifically for promotional/publicity still photos and were not on any movie posters.  i.e. like our recently acquired “Mighty Joe Young” photos which capture the REAL “Joe”.   Only animated images were used in the movie posters and lobby cards. Never an actual photo of Joe!
2.  They are often dated and some have extensive provenance on the back in the form of studio stamps, photographer stamps, period newspaper clippings, etc.
3. The images are often sharper than the posters .
4. Perfect 8x10” size for framing and matting, shipping as gifts.  For example,  ideal for displaying with a historical relic like an autograph..

PSA has four classes of certification for original photographs as shown below:

 This historical 1914 Providence Grays photo featuring a
19 year old Babe Ruth sold  at auction 2009 for over $13,000