Historical Photography Vintage
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
-
Jean Harlow - Original Historic Wire Service photo 1936
Jean Harlow - Original Historic Wire Service photo 1936 "Wife vs Secretar... Jean Harlow - Original Historic Wire Service photo 1936 "Wife vs Secretar... -
Jean Harlow ORIGINAL Antique Vintage Type I Photo 1936
Original old movie photos pictures poster Memorabilia Collectibles for sale Jean... Original old movie photos pictures poster Memorabilia Collectibles for sale Jean... -
Jean Harlow ORIGINAL Antique Vintage TYPE I Publicity PhotoÂ
Original old movie photos pictures poster Memorabilia Collectibles for sale Jean... Original old movie photos pictures poster Memorabilia Collectibles for sale Jean... -
Jean Harlow Original Historic Vintage photo 1935
Jean Harlow Original Historic Vintage photo 1935 This is an inc... Jean Harlow Original Historic Vintage photo 1935 This is an inc... -
Jean Harlow Vintage Autographed Signed Photo by Mama Jean
Famous signatures autographed memorabilia signed pictures celebrity autogra... Famous signatures autographed memorabilia signed pictures celebrity autogra... -
Jean Harlow, 1934 Original Vintage TYPE 1 Photo George Hurrell
Original Vintage Antique George Hurrell Photos Photography For S... Original Vintage Antique George Hurrell Photos Photography For S... -
Jerry Lewis - earliest known photos
Jerry Lewis Original Vintage 1940's Studio Photos (3) Sanford Sacks (James Ko... Jerry Lewis Original Vintage 1940's Studio Photos (3) Sanford Sacks (James Ko... -
Jerry Lewis Signed Letter to Frank Sinatra friend Eileen Barton
Jerry Lewis Signed Autographed Letter Vintage 1958 Signed letter from J... Jerry Lewis Signed Autographed Letter Vintage 1958 Signed letter from J... -
JFK John F KENNEDY - Presidential Original Vintage Photo Picture
Political Original vintage photos JFK John Kennedy memorabilia collectibles &nb... Political Original vintage photos JFK John Kennedy memorabilia collectibles &nb... -
Jimmie Foxx Boston Red Sox Original Vintage Photo 1940
Jimmie Foxx Vintage Classic Sports Baseball Memorabilia Collectibles Baseball C... Jimmie Foxx Vintage Classic Sports Baseball Memorabilia Collectibles Baseball C... -
Jimmie Foxx RARE Original 1928 Wire Photo
Vintage Sports Baseball Memorabilia Collectibles Old Photos pictures Jimmie Fox... Vintage Sports Baseball Memorabilia Collectibles Old Photos pictures Jimmie Fox... -
Jimmie Foxx RARE Original Wheaties Box cover from 1938
Jimmie Foxx RARE Original Wheaties Box cover from 1938 1938 Wheaties cereal box... Jimmie Foxx RARE Original Wheaties Box cover from 1938 1938 Wheaties cereal box... -
Jimmie Foxx Rare TYPE I Baseball Photo Picture 1942
Original Vintage Classic Sports Baseball Jimmie Foxx Babe Ruth Lou Gehrig Memor... Original Vintage Classic Sports Baseball Jimmie Foxx Babe Ruth Lou Gehrig Memor... -
Jimmie Foxx Vintage Baseball Team Photo - Philadelphia Phillies
Jimmie Foxx Vintage Classic Sports Baseball Memorabilia Collectibles Baseball C... Jimmie Foxx Vintage Classic Sports Baseball Memorabilia Collectibles Baseball C... -
JOE DiMAGGIO & MARILYN MONROE at YANKEE STADIUM 1961
Marilyn Monroe Original Photos Baseball Memorabilia Collectible For Sale 1... Marilyn Monroe Original Photos Baseball Memorabilia Collectible For Sale 1... -
Joe Frazier Original In-Progress Test Print for Ali-Frazier I
Original Vintage Classic Sports Boxing Memorabilia Movie Muhammad Ali Collectibl... Original Vintage Classic Sports Boxing Memorabilia Movie Muhammad Ali Collectibl... -
JOHN DILINGER "WANTED" Reward for Capture Poster Photo
1934 Original Photo JOHN DILINGER "WANTED" Reward for Capture Poster ... 1934 Original Photo JOHN DILINGER "WANTED" Reward for Capture Poster ... -
John Dillinger - Original Morgue Scene Wire Service Photo
John Dillinger Original Morgue Scene Wire Service Photo An Incredible Historic... John Dillinger Original Morgue Scene Wire Service Photo An Incredible Historic... -
John Dillinger Original Vintage 1934 Press News Wire Photo
John Dillinger Original Vintage Photograph 1934 Press News Wire Photo (6x8"... John Dillinger Original Vintage Photograph 1934 Press News Wire Photo (6x8"... -
John Dillinger Original Vintage Escape TYPE I Photo 1934
Original Vintage Memorabilia Collectibles Outlaw John Dillinger Photos Photograp... Original Vintage Memorabilia Collectibles Outlaw John Dillinger Photos Photograp... -
John Dillinger photos - Original Death Scene Wire Service Photo
John Dillinger 1934 Photo "The Face of Death" UNBELIEVABLE Original p... John Dillinger 1934 Photo "The Face of Death" UNBELIEVABLE Original p... -
John Dillinger photos - Original Death Scene Wire Service Photo1
John Dillinger 1934 Dead Corpse Original Wire Service Photo UNBELIEVABLE Origin... John Dillinger 1934 Dead Corpse Original Wire Service Photo UNBELIEVABLE Origin... -
John Dillinger photos - Original wire historical photo, 1934
John Dillinger Original Vintage Wire Photo (March 5,1934) Amazing, rare origin... John Dillinger Original Vintage Wire Photo (March 5,1934) Amazing, rare origin... -
John Dillinger photos death sweetheart press photo
John Dillinger death sweetheart press photo, 1934 Found on Dillinger after he w... John Dillinger death sweetheart press photo, 1934 Found on Dillinger after he w... -
John Kennedy Jackie JFK Historic Wedding Photo 1953
HISTORICAL Original Photo JFK JOHN & JACKIE KENNEDY Wedding 1953 A Vintage ... HISTORICAL Original Photo JFK JOHN & JACKIE KENNEDY Wedding 1953 A Vintage ... -
John Kennedy JFK Historic Photo Addresses Congress 1961
John Kennedy JFK , 1961 Historic Photo Addresses Congress  Original vintage w... John Kennedy JFK , 1961 Historic Photo Addresses Congress  Original vintage w... -
John Kennedy JFK Historic Photo Campaign Interview 1960
John Kennedy JFK , 1960 Historic Photo Campaign Interview  Original vintage w... John Kennedy JFK , 1960 Historic Photo Campaign Interview  Original vintage w... -
John Kennedy JFK Historic Photo Campaign Providence RI 1960
John Kennedy JFK , 1960 Historic Photo Campaign Stop in Providence, RI Â... John Kennedy JFK , 1960 Historic Photo Campaign Stop in Providence, RI Â... -
John Kennedy JFK Historic Photo with Jeremiah O'Mahoney 1961
John Kennedy JFK , 1961 Historic Photo with Jeremiah O'Mahoney  Original vin... John Kennedy JFK , 1961 Historic Photo with Jeremiah O'Mahoney  Original vin... -
John L. Sullivan Boxing Cabinet Card Vintage Boxing Memorabilia
Vintage Classic Sports Boxing Memorabilia Collectibles Cards Autographs Fo... Vintage Classic Sports Boxing Memorabilia Collectibles Cards Autographs Fo... -
John Sullivan Original Vintage Antique 1908 Boxing Fight Card
Vintage Original Boxing Sports Memorabilia Collectibles John Sullivan For Sale ... Vintage Original Boxing Sports Memorabilia Collectibles John Sullivan For Sale ... -
John Wayne - three vintage photos West of the Divide, 1934
John Wayne in "West of the Divide" Three Vintage Original Photos, 19... John Wayne in "West of the Divide" Three Vintage Original Photos, 19... -
JOHN WAYNE Dean Martin Vintage Photo Sons of Katie Elder
Original Vintage Western Movie Poster Memorabilia John Wayne Photos Collectible... Original Vintage Western Movie Poster Memorabilia John Wayne Photos Collectible... -
John Wayne SHE WORE A YELLOW RIBBON still photo best portrait
SHE WORE A YELLOW RIBBON 8x10 still '49 best portrait of John Wayne, John F... SHE WORE A YELLOW RIBBON 8x10 still '49 best portrait of John Wayne, John F... -
JohN Wayne Three Godfathers Proof Photo 1948
"3 Godfathers", 1948 Original Vintage Title Card Movie Poster S... "3 Godfathers", 1948 Original Vintage Title Card Movie Poster S... -
John Wayne, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, vintage photo still 1949
John Wayne - "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon", 1949 Original Vintage Silve... John Wayne - "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon", 1949 Original Vintage Silve... -
John Wilkes Booth Antique CDV Photo Ciivl War 1860
Antique Vintage Abraham Lincoln Civil War photos photography photos pictures mem... Antique Vintage Abraham Lincoln Civil War photos photography photos pictures mem... -
John Wilkes Booth Rare Original Vintage Photo, 1865
Original Civil War Political Memorabilia Collectibles Photos For Sale Joh... Original Civil War Political Memorabilia Collectibles Photos For Sale Joh... -
Johnny Carson Early Original Vintage Photo Picture
Johnny Carson Early Original Vintage Photo Picture One of the earl... Johnny Carson Early Original Vintage Photo Picture One of the earl... -
Johnny Weissmuller Original Negative as Tarzan, 1932
Johnny Weissmuller Original Negative as Tarzan, 1932 Johnny Weissmuller (M... Johnny Weissmuller Original Negative as Tarzan, 1932 Johnny Weissmuller (M... -
Judy Garland Original Vintage CBS TV publicity photos 1963
Judy Garland Memorabilia Collectibles Photos Autographs Judy Garland Orig... Judy Garland Memorabilia Collectibles Photos Autographs Judy Garland Orig... -
Judy Garland Gorgeous Vintage Photo Singing 1943 N1X
JUDY GARLAND Original Vintage Press/Wire Photo, 1943 Stunning Original vintag... JUDY GARLAND Original Vintage Press/Wire Photo, 1943 Stunning Original vintag... -
JUDY GARLAND MICKEY ROONEY Gorgeous original vintage photo 1937
JUDY GARLAND & MICKEY ROONEY Young Hollywood Stars! 1937 Original Photo (7x... JUDY GARLAND & MICKEY ROONEY Young Hollywood Stars! 1937 Original Photo (7x... -
Judy Garland Original Vintage Movie Photo Still Star is Born
Original vintage classic Movie Posters Memorabilia Collectibles autographs old p... Original vintage classic Movie Posters Memorabilia Collectibles autographs old p... -
Judy Garland Original Vintage Photo Clarence Bull 1937
Original Vintage Classic Old Film Movie Judy Garland Memorabilia Collectibles P... Original Vintage Classic Old Film Movie Judy Garland Memorabilia Collectibles P... -
KEY LARGO Original Vintage Still Photo Humphrey Bogart
KEY LARGO Original Vintage 8x10" Still Photo Starring Humphrey Bogart &... KEY LARGO Original Vintage 8x10" Still Photo Starring Humphrey Bogart &... -
King Kong Original Vintage Promotional Photo Still
Historical vintage classic movie film theater photos photography photos pictures... Historical vintage classic movie film theater photos photography photos pictures... -
King Kong Original Vintage Promotional Photo Still Fay Wray
Historical vintage classic movie film theater photos photography photos pictures... Historical vintage classic movie film theater photos photography photos pictures... -
King Kong vs. Godzilla Original Vintage Photo Still 1963
Original Vintage Classic Horror Sci Fi Old Movie Posters Photos ... Original Vintage Classic Horror Sci Fi Old Movie Posters Photos ... -
Lady from Shanghai Original Vintage Keybook Photo Rita Hayworth
Vintage Classic Old Movie Film Theater Posters Original Memorabilia Collectible... Vintage Classic Old Movie Film Theater Posters Original Memorabilia Collectible... -
Laurel & Hardy Original 1933 still photo - Devil's Brother
The Devil's Brother, 1933 Original Vintage Photo Still (8x10") Starring St... The Devil's Brother, 1933 Original Vintage Photo Still (8x10") Starring St... -
Laurel & Hardy Original 1933 still photo - Devil's Brother 2
The Devil's Brother, 1933 Original Vintage Photo Still (8x10") Starring St... The Devil's Brother, 1933 Original Vintage Photo Still (8x10") Starring St... -
Laurel & Hardy Original vintage still photo Big Business 1929
BIG BUSINESS Original Vintage Photo Still, 1929 (8x10") Stan Laurel &... BIG BUSINESS Original Vintage Photo Still, 1929 (8x10") Stan Laurel &... -
Laurel & Hardy Original vintage still photo Way Out West 1937
WAY OUT WEST Original Vintage Photo 8x10 still '37 Stan Laurel & Oliver... WAY OUT WEST Original Vintage Photo 8x10 still '37 Stan Laurel & Oliver... -
Laurel & Hardy SONS OF THE DESERT Original still photo'33
SONS OF THE DESERT Original Vintage 8x10 still 1933 Stan Laurel holding pineapp... SONS OF THE DESERT Original Vintage 8x10 still 1933 Stan Laurel holding pineapp... -
Laurel & Hardy SONS OF THE DESERT Original still photo'33 b
SONS OF THE DESERT Original Vintage 8x10 still 1933 Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy &... SONS OF THE DESERT Original Vintage 8x10 still 1933 Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy &... -
Laurel & Hardy SONS OF THE DESERT Original still photo'33 c
SONS OF THE DESERT Original Vintage 8x10 still 1933 Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy... SONS OF THE DESERT Original Vintage 8x10 still 1933 Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy...
Featured Products - Historical Photography Vintage
Judy Garland Original Vintage Photo Clarence Bull 1937
Original Vintage Classic Old Film Movie Judy Garland Memorab...$1,250.00Beatles Original RARE Vintage Photo Scottish TV, 1963
Beatles original Vintage memorabilia collectibles pictures f...$1,250.00Son of Frankenstein Vintage TYPE I Photo still Karloff Lugos
Original Vintage Horror Movie Posters Historical Photos Memo...$1,850.00Marilyn Monroe Original Vintage Photo Andre de Dienes ice cr
Original Vintage Memorabilia Collectibles Marilyn Monroe Pho...$2,950.00Daguerreotype 1/4 pl Attractive Couple 1855 Antique
Daguerreotype For Sale antique pre Civil War Daguerreotype ...$1,250.00Daguerreotype 1/6 pl Two Sisters Identified! 1855
Daguerreotype For Sale antique pre Civil War Daguerreotype ...$1,950.00Daguerreotype RARE 1/2 pl Family1855 Antique photo
Daguerreotype For Sale antique pre Civil War Daguerreotype ...$2,450.00Harry Houdini Chilling Antique Vintage 1926 TYPE I Photo
Harry Houdini Magic Original old photos pictures poster Memo...Harry Houdini ORIGINAL Vintage LIVE Escape TYPE I Photo 1
Harry Houdini Magic Original old photos Historical Photograp...$5,550.00Harry Houdini ORIGINAL Vintage LIVE Escape TYPE I Photo 1
Harry Houdini Magic Original old photos pictures poster Memo...$2,450.00Three STooges Original Vintage Still Photo Curly's Birthday
Three 3 Stooges Original Vintage Classic Film Posters Photos...$2,250.00Harry Houdini ORIGINAL Antique Vintage 1926 Escape TYPE I
Harry Houdini Magic Original old photos Historical Photograp...$4,950.00Buffalo Bill Cody Antique Official Wild West Show Program 18
Old Western Buffalo Bill Cody Old Wild West Memorabilia Coll...$2,450.00Buffalo Bill Cody Antique Official Wild West Show Program 18
Old Western Buffalo Bill Cody Old Wild West Memorabilia Coll...$1,850.00Buffalo Bill Cody Antique Official Wild West Show Program 18
Old Western Buffalo Bill Cody Old Wild West Memorabilia Coll...$1,850.00Abraham Lincoln Hannibal Hamlin Campign Token ferrotype 1860
Political Presidential Campaign Buttons Abraham LIncoln Memo...$2,950.00
Important Links
Newsletter Signup
Login
Important Topics
- Is Collecting Immune to Recession?
- History of Movie Posters
- Safe Buying Online Guide
- Our LIFETIME GUARANTEE
- Lobby Cards
- How to SEARCH for items on this web site
- Decorating with Movie Posters
- Wizard of OZ Turns 75
- Make an Offer Day - April 1, 2024
- Autograph Collectors: Don't Ever Be Scammed Again
- Babe Ruth Ball sells for $264,500
- Interior Designers Challenged by Atypical Projects
- Paying with your Credit Card using PayPal without PayPal account
- Hollywood History: A Love Affair with America
- Online Payment SCAMS
- Top Ten Most Valuable Autographs
- My Week With Marilyn
- A Chilling Letter from the "Father of the Nuclear Submarine"
- Investment Demand Skyrockets for Vintage Sports Memorabilia
- Judy Sings Merry Christmas
- Magic of Provenance
- Frank Sinatra "High Society" Co-Star Dead at 95
- Historic Photography
- Thank You Neil Armstrong
- Wizard of OZ Missing Scene
- Fraud Autograph Seller Attacks Us! Reviews Complaints Conway's
- Ten Warning Signs a Dealer May Be Selling Autograph Forgeries
- Holy Grail of Collecting: Wizard of OZ
- Most Valuable Autograph Ever Sold
- Customer Appreciation Day
- MINT "Rolled" Vintage Movie Posters - Real or FAKE?
- Pawn Stars Flawed Appraisals: My Side of the Story
- Rare Vintage Horror Discovery!
- Vintage Movie Posters-Rare Autographs-Sports-Nautical Art
- Vintage Photograph Increasing Demand
- What Makes a Collectible Valuable?
- WHY Authenticity Means Everything!
- Why You Should Buy Autographs ONLY from a UACC Dealer