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
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Psycho Original Vintage Photo Still Alfred Hitchcock 1960 12
Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Psycho Psycho Classic Movie Still P... Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Psycho Psycho Classic Movie Still P... -
Psycho Original Vintage Photo Still Alfred Hitchcock 1960 2
Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Psycho Psycho Classic Movie Still P... Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Psycho Psycho Classic Movie Still P... -
Psycho Original Vintage Photo Still Alfred Hitchcock 1960 3
Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Psycho Psycho Classic Movie Still P... Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Psycho Psycho Classic Movie Still P... -
Psycho Original Vintage Photo Still Alfred Hitchcock 1960 4
Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Psycho Psycho Classic Movie Still P... Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Psycho Psycho Classic Movie Still P... -
Psycho Original Vintage Photo Still Alfred Hitchcock 1960 5
Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Psycho Psycho Classic Movie Still P... Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Psycho Psycho Classic Movie Still P... -
Quiet Man Original Vintage Promotional Still Photos John Wayne
John Wayne Original Vintage Western Quiet Man Photos Pictures Movie Posters Memo... John Wayne Original Vintage Western Quiet Man Photos Pictures Movie Posters Memo... -
Range Feud Original Vintage Photo Still John Wayne Buck Jones
The Range Feud Original Vintage Photo Publicity Still Starring John Wayne and B... The Range Feud Original Vintage Photo Publicity Still Starring John Wayne and B... -
Raven Original Vintage Photos Stills Karloff-Lugosi #1
"The Raven", 1935 Original Photo Still Starring Boris Karloff & B... "The Raven", 1935 Original Photo Still Starring Boris Karloff & B... -
Raven Original Vintage Photos Stills Karloff-Lugosi #3
"The Raven", 1935 Original Photo Still Starring Boris Karloff & Be... "The Raven", 1935 Original Photo Still Starring Boris Karloff & Be... -
Raven Original Vintage Photos Stills Karloff-Lugosi #4-2
"The Raven", 1935 Original Photo Stills (2) Starring Boris Karloff &... "The Raven", 1935 Original Photo Stills (2) Starring Boris Karloff &... -
Raven Original Vintage Photos Stills Karloff-Lugosi #5
"The Raven", 1935 Original Photo Still Starring Boris Karloff & ... "The Raven", 1935 Original Photo Still Starring Boris Karloff & ... -
Rear Window Rare Photo Still Alfred Hitchcock James Stewart
Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo Vintage Classic Movie Poste... Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo Vintage Classic Movie Poste... -
Rear Window Rare Photo Stills Alfred Hitchcock James Stewart
Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo Vintage Classic Movie Poste... Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo Vintage Classic Movie Poste... -
Rear Window Vintage Still Photo James Stewart wheelchair NICE!
Alfred Hitchcock's REAR WINDOW 8x10.25 still 1954 Jimmy Stewart in wheelcha... Alfred Hitchcock's REAR WINDOW 8x10.25 still 1954 Jimmy Stewart in wheelcha... -
Red Sox Rare Baseball TYPE I Photo sports George Bain 1914
Original Vintage Classic Sports Baseball Red Sox Memorabilia Collectibles P... Original Vintage Classic Sports Baseball Red Sox Memorabilia Collectibles P... -
RETURN OF DR. FU MANCHU Original Vintage Photo Warner Oland
RETURN OF DR. FU MANCHU, 1930 Original Vintage Photo Publicity Still Starring&n... RETURN OF DR. FU MANCHU, 1930 Original Vintage Photo Publicity Still Starring&n... -
RHYTHM & WEEP Three 3 Stooges Original Vintage Photo
Three 3 Stooges Original Vintage Classic Film Posters Photos Memorabilia Collec... Three 3 Stooges Original Vintage Classic Film Posters Photos Memorabilia Collec... -
Rita Hayworth Original Vintage TYPE I Gilda Keybook photo
Original Vintage Classic Film Movie Posters Keybook Photos Memorabilia Collectib... Original Vintage Classic Film Movie Posters Keybook Photos Memorabilia Collectib... -
Rita Hayworth Original Vintage TYPE I Gilda Keybook photo 2
Original Vintage Classic Film Posters Keybook Photos Memorabilia Collectibles Fo... Original Vintage Classic Film Posters Keybook Photos Memorabilia Collectibles Fo... -
Rita Hayworth, 1948 Original Vintage TYPE I Studio Movie Photo
Original Vintage Classic Film Movie Posters Keybook Photos Memorabilia Collectib... Original Vintage Classic Film Movie Posters Keybook Photos Memorabilia Collectib... -
ROCKY MARCIANO v. JOE LOUIS Vintage Wire Photo
BATTLE of CHAMPIONS ! AWESOME 1951 Original Photo ROCKY MARCIANO v. JOE LOUIS ... BATTLE of CHAMPIONS ! AWESOME 1951 Original Photo ROCKY MARCIANO v. JOE LOUIS ... -
Roger Maris Original Vintage Baseball Photo 61 Home Runs
Roger Maris Vintage Classic Sports Memorabilia Collectibles Baseball Cards Auto... Roger Maris Vintage Classic Sports Memorabilia Collectibles Baseball Cards Auto... -
Rudolph Valentino RARE Vintage Photo Collection
Rudolph Valentino Vintage Original Photo/Still Collection Memorabilia ... Rudolph Valentino Vintage Original Photo/Still Collection Memorabilia ... -
Rufus Anson sixth plate daguerreotype circa 1850s
Vintage 19th Century Photography Daguerreotypes Rufus Anson sixth pl... Vintage 19th Century Photography Daguerreotypes Rufus Anson sixth pl... -
SAFE AT HOME Original Vintage Photos Stills Mickey Mantle Maris
Original Vintage Movie Sports Baseball Memorabilia Collectibles Photos Pictures... Original Vintage Movie Sports Baseball Memorabilia Collectibles Photos Pictures... -
SAHARA Original Vintage Movie Publicity Photo Humphrey Bogart
SAHARA, 1943 Original Vintage Movie Publicity TYPE I Photo still (8x10") ... SAHARA, 1943 Original Vintage Movie Publicity TYPE I Photo still (8x10") ... -
Searchers Original Vintage Photo Still John Wayne 1956
The Searchers, 1956 Original Vintage Still Photo (8x10") Starring John Wa... The Searchers, 1956 Original Vintage Still Photo (8x10") Starring John Wa... -
Searchers Original Vintage Photo Still John Wayne 1956 2
The Searchers, 1956 Original Vintage Still Photo (8x10") Starring John Wa... The Searchers, 1956 Original Vintage Still Photo (8x10") Starring John Wa... -
Searchers Original Vintage Photo Still John Wayne 1956 3
The Searchers, 1956 Original Vintage Still Photo (8x10") Starring John Wa... The Searchers, 1956 Original Vintage Still Photo (8x10") Starring John Wa... -
Searchers Original Vintage Photo Still John Wayne 1956 4
The Searchers, 1956 Original Vintage Still Photo (8x10") Starring John Wa... The Searchers, 1956 Original Vintage Still Photo (8x10") Starring John Wa... -
Searchers Original Vintage Photo Still John Wayne 1956 5
The Searchers, 1956 Original Vintage Still Photo (8x10") Starring John Wa... The Searchers, 1956 Original Vintage Still Photo (8x10") Starring John Wa... -
Searchers Original Vintage Photo Still John Wayne 1956 6
The Searchers, 1956 Original Vintage Still Photo (8x10") Starring John W... The Searchers, 1956 Original Vintage Still Photo (8x10") Starring John W... -
Searchers Original Vintage Photo Still John Wayne 1956 7
The Searchers, 1956 Original Vintage Still Photo (8x10") Starring... The Searchers, 1956 Original Vintage Still Photo (8x10") Starring... -
Searchers Original Vintage Photo Still John Wayne 1956 8
The Searchers, 1956 Original Vintage Still Photo (8x10") Starring John Way... The Searchers, 1956 Original Vintage Still Photo (8x10") Starring John Way... -
Sharon Tate Original Vintage TYPE I Photo Valley of the Dolls
Sharon Tate Original Vintage TYPE I Photo, 1967 Sharon Tate in Valley of the Do... Sharon Tate Original Vintage TYPE I Photo, 1967 Sharon Tate in Valley of the Do... -
Siamese Twins Eng Chang Bunk Original Vintage Photo 1860
Vintage Antique Old Barnum Bailey Circus Freak Sideshow Me... Vintage Antique Old Barnum Bailey Circus Freak Sideshow Me... -
Sideshows at the Nat Reiss Circus Stunning Vintage Old Photo '04
Original Antique Old Barnum Bailey Circus Sideshow Memorabilia Collectibles... Original Antique Old Barnum Bailey Circus Sideshow Memorabilia Collectibles... -
Slippery Silks 3 Three Stooges Vintage TYPE I Photo Still 1936
Three 3 Stooges Original Vintage Classic Film Posters Photos Memorabilia Collect... Three 3 Stooges Original Vintage Classic Film Posters Photos Memorabilia Collect... -
SOMEWHERE IN SONORA Original Vintage Still Photo John Wayne
Original vintage classic old Western Movie Theater Film Posters John Wayne Memo... Original vintage classic old Western Movie Theater Film Posters John Wayne Memo... -
SOMEWHERE IN SONORA Original Vintage Still Photo John Wayne 2
Original vintage classic old Western Movie Theater Film Posters John Wayne Memo... Original vintage classic old Western Movie Theater Film Posters John Wayne Memo... -
SOMEWHERE IN SONORA Original Vintage Still Photo John Wayne 3
Original vintage classic old Western Movie Theater Film Posters John Wayne Memo... Original vintage classic old Western Movie Theater Film Posters John Wayne Memo... -
Son of Frankenstein Vintage TYPE I Photo still Karloff Lugosi
Original Vintage Horror Movie Posters Historical Photos Memorabilia Collectibles... Original Vintage Horror Movie Posters Historical Photos Memorabilia Collectibles... -
Sonny and Cher Vintage TYPE I CBS publicity Press Release Photo
Sonny and Cher CBS Comedy Show, 1971 Original Vintage TYPE I CBS publ... Sonny and Cher CBS Comedy Show, 1971 Original Vintage TYPE I CBS publ... -
Stagecoach 1939 ORIGINAL Vintage Stunning Photo John Wayne
Original Vintage Western Movie Poster Memorabilia John Wayne Photos Collectible... Original Vintage Western Movie Poster Memorabilia John Wayne Photos Collectible... -
Strike Up the Band Vintage Color Photo JUdy Garland Earl Theisen
Strike Up the Band Original Vintage Color Photo by Earl Theisen, 1940 Starring ... Strike Up the Band Original Vintage Color Photo by Earl Theisen, 1940 Starring ... -
Superman and the Mole Men, George Reeves, vintage photo still 51
"Superman and the Mole Men", 1951 Original Vintage Movie Still Photo ... "Superman and the Mole Men", 1951 Original Vintage Movie Still Photo ... -
Superman and the Mole Men, George Reeves,vintage photo 1951
"Superman and the Mole Men", 1951 Original Vintage Photo (8x10")... "Superman and the Mole Men", 1951 Original Vintage Photo (8x10")... -
Swing Time Original Vintage Gelatin Photo Astaire Rogers 1936
"Swing Time", 1936 Original Vintage Gelatin Still Photo (7x9") S... "Swing Time", 1936 Original Vintage Gelatin Still Photo (7x9") S... -
SWISS MISS Original Vintage Photo Laurel Hardy
Laurel & Hardy Original Vintage Memorabilia Collectibles Photos For Sale SW... Laurel & Hardy Original Vintage Memorabilia Collectibles Photos For Sale SW... -
Tallest Man in the World Vintage Historic TYPE I Photo 1936
Original old photos pictures poster Memorabilia Collectibles for sale "The ... Original old photos pictures poster Memorabilia Collectibles for sale "The ... -
Tarzan and His Mate 1933 wire/press service photo, filming
Oversized - 1933 Vintage, on-set “Tarzan and His Mate” photo captur... Oversized - 1933 Vintage, on-set “Tarzan and His Mate” photo captur... -
Tarzan Original Vintage Photo Johnny Weissmuller Sullivan 1932
"Tarzan", 1932 Original Vintage Photo, (8x10") Starring Johnny ... "Tarzan", 1932 Original Vintage Photo, (8x10") Starring Johnny ... -
Tarzan the Ape Man, 1932, wire/press release photo
Vintage '32 Filming Weissmuller Tarzan Oversized Photo "Tarzan the Ape Man... Vintage '32 Filming Weissmuller Tarzan Oversized Photo "Tarzan the Ape Man... -
Tarzan, Johnny Weissmuller vintage photo still 1932
"Tarzan", 1932 Orignal Vintage Photo Starring Johnny Weissmuller &nb... "Tarzan", 1932 Orignal Vintage Photo Starring Johnny Weissmuller &nb... -
Teddy Roosevelt "Rough Riders" Historic Antique Photo
Antique Historic Photos Photography "Rough Riders" led by Teddy Roosev... Antique Historic Photos Photography "Rough Riders" led by Teddy Roosev... -
Teddy Roosevelt Original Vintage Photo Obscene Gesture
Antique Vintage Photos Photography For Sale Teddy Roosevelt Original Vint... Antique Vintage Photos Photography For Sale Teddy Roosevelt Original Vint... -
The A-Team Vintage Photo Hulk Hogan Mr T Fridge Perry
Antique Vintage Photos Photography Humphrey Bogart Classic TV Movie Memorabilia ... Antique Vintage Photos Photography Humphrey Bogart Classic TV Movie Memorabilia ...
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
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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
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