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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Harry Houdini Historic Photos debunking psychic 1924 1X
Harry Houdini Vintage Magic Memorabilia Collectibles old photos pictures Harry ... Harry Houdini Vintage Magic Memorabilia Collectibles old photos pictures Harry ... -
BATMAN color photo lobby card 1966 FOH English
BATMAN color photo/lobby card 1966 Meredith as Penguin, Meriwether as Catwoman,... BATMAN color photo/lobby card 1966 Meredith as Penguin, Meriwether as Catwoman,... -
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 &... -
Wolf Man Original Vintage Horror Photo 1941 Evelyn Akers
Original horror Movie posters memorabilia The Wolf Man, 1941 Original Vint... Original horror Movie posters memorabilia The Wolf Man, 1941 Original Vint... -
Wolf Man Original Vintage Horror Photo 1941 Claude Rains
The Wolf Man, 1941 Original Vintage Movie Still Photo (8x10") Starring Lon... The Wolf Man, 1941 Original Vintage Movie Still Photo (8x10") Starring Lon... -
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 8
The Searchers, 1956 Original Vintage Still Photo (8x10") Starring John Way... The Searchers, 1956 Original Vintage Still Photo (8x10") Starring John Way... -
Misfits Original Vintage Photo Marilyn Monroe Clark Gable
The Misfits Original Vintage Publicity Photo (8x10") Marilyn Monroe & ... The Misfits Original Vintage Publicity Photo (8x10") Marilyn Monroe & ... -
Harvey Original Vintage Photo James Stewart 1950
Harvey, 1950 Original Vintage Photo (8x10") Starring James Stewart Great o... Harvey, 1950 Original Vintage Photo (8x10") Starring James Stewart Great o... -
Three Stooges Curly Howard RARE Photo with Father 1934
Three Stooges “Curly Howard” (1903-1952) Original Vintage Personal ... Three Stooges “Curly Howard” (1903-1952) Original Vintage Personal ... -
Plane Nuts Three Stooges Ted Healy Original Photo 1933
Plane Nuts, 1933 Original Vintage Photo Still (8x10") Starring Ted Healy a... Plane Nuts, 1933 Original Vintage Photo Still (8x10") Starring Ted Healy a... -
Clark Gable Stunning Vintage Photo from Misfits 1960
Clark Gable Original Vintage 8x10" Photo Circa 1960-61 A striking color ph... Clark Gable Original Vintage 8x10" Photo Circa 1960-61 A striking color ph... -
Jack Johnson vs Stanley Ketchel Boxing Photo 1909
Jack Johnson vs Stanley Ketchel Original Boxing Photo: October 16, 1909 A... Jack Johnson vs Stanley Ketchel Original Boxing Photo: October 16, 1909 A... -
James Jeffries Jack Johnson Original Vintage Boxing photo 1910
James Jeffries vs Jack Johnson Original Vintage Boxing 13x16" Photo: July... James Jeffries vs Jack Johnson Original Vintage Boxing 13x16" Photo: July... -
Babe Ruth Strikes Out-1922 World Series vintage photo
Babe Ruth 1922 World Series Baseball Wire Photograph From New York Giants Pitch... Babe Ruth 1922 World Series Baseball Wire Photograph From New York Giants Pitch... -
Walt Disney Origial Vintage Photo by YOUSUF KARSH
Walt Disney Original Vintage Photograph by YOUSUF KARSH Genre: &... Walt Disney Original Vintage Photograph by YOUSUF KARSH Genre: &... -
Alfred Hitchcock vintage original photo The Birds 1963
The Birds, 1963 Original Vintage Publicity Photo - "The Birds" ... The Birds, 1963 Original Vintage Publicity Photo - "The Birds" ... -
Abraham Lincoln LAST Photo Historic 1865
Abraham Lincoln Original 1965 Photo by Henry Warren "Lincoln's Latest ... Abraham Lincoln Original 1965 Photo by Henry Warren "Lincoln's Latest ... -
William "Buffalo Bill" Cody Original Antique Photo 1880
William "Buffalo Bill" Cody (1846-1917) Original Antique Photo (c 188... William "Buffalo Bill" Cody (1846-1917) Original Antique Photo (c 188... -
Elvis Presley Original Vintage Promotional Photo, G.I Blues 1960
Elvis Presley Original Vintage Promotional Photo, 1960 Here is a rare and Unusu... Elvis Presley Original Vintage Promotional Photo, 1960 Here is a rare and Unusu... -
GERONIMO Rare Original Cabinet Photo circa 1900
Geronimo RARE ORIGINAL Vintage Cabinet Photo circa 1900 Photogr... Geronimo RARE ORIGINAL Vintage Cabinet Photo circa 1900 Photogr... -
MUHAMMAD ALI Original Vintage Photo Portrait YOUSUF KARSH 1970
Muhammad Ali Original Type I Photo by YOUSUF KARSH, 1970 EXCEPTIONAL 1970 Orig... Muhammad Ali Original Type I Photo by YOUSUF KARSH, 1970 EXCEPTIONAL 1970 Orig... -
Marilyn Monroe Original Vintage Photo, Her LAST photo Shoot!
Marilyn Monroe Original Vintage Photo, 1962 Taken Three Weeks Before Her Death ... Marilyn Monroe Original Vintage Photo, 1962 Taken Three Weeks Before Her Death ... -
Dracula 1931 Original Vintage Photo Bela Lugosi
Dracula, 1931 Original Vintage Photo Starring Bela Lugosi Terrific origina... Dracula, 1931 Original Vintage Photo Starring Bela Lugosi Terrific origina... -
Marilyn Monroe & Betty Grable Original First Generation Photo
Marilyn Monroe & Betty Grable Original Vintage First Generation Photo,... Marilyn Monroe & Betty Grable Original Vintage First Generation Photo,... -
Wizard of OZ RARE Original Photo Judy Garland and Ray Bolger '39
JUDY GARLAND in THE WIZARD of OZ Super Rare 1939 Original Photo Judy Garla... JUDY GARLAND in THE WIZARD of OZ Super Rare 1939 Original Photo Judy Garla... -
WALT DISNEY Vintage Photo as a HOST at DISNEYLAND 1963
WALT DISNEY Original Vintage Photo, early 1960s HOST at DISNEYLAND with C... WALT DISNEY Original Vintage Photo, early 1960s HOST at DISNEYLAND with C... -
BRIGITTE BARDOT Original Vintage Photo, circa 1963
BRIGITTE BARDOT Original Vintage Photo, circa 1963 If anyone ever tol... BRIGITTE BARDOT Original Vintage Photo, circa 1963 If anyone ever tol... -
PINOCCHIO Vintage Still Photo Walt Disney 1940 Fairy
Walt Disney's PINOCCHIO, 1940 Original 8x10" Vintage Still Promot... Walt Disney's PINOCCHIO, 1940 Original 8x10" Vintage Still Promot... -
PINOCCHIO Vintage Still Photo Walt Disney 1940 Fairy pool
Walt Disney's PINOCCHIO, 1940 Original 8x10" Vintage Still P... Walt Disney's PINOCCHIO, 1940 Original 8x10" Vintage Still P... -
BABE COMES HOME Original Vintage Delux Still Photo Babe Ruth
Origina l Vintage Sports Classic Baseball Memorabilia Movie Lou Gehrig Babe Rut... Origina l Vintage Sports Classic Baseball Memorabilia Movie Lou Gehrig Babe Rut... -
MARILYN MONROE ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1961 Lee Lockwood w/Dimaggio
Marilyn Monroe Original Photos Baseball Memorabilia Collectible For Sale M... Marilyn Monroe Original Photos Baseball Memorabilia Collectible For Sale M... -
MARILYN MONROE ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1954 photo w/Alan Ladd
MARILYN MONROE ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1954 Photo Photoplay Magazine Awards Ala... MARILYN MONROE ORIGINAL VINTAGE 1954 Photo Photoplay Magazine Awards Ala... -
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... -
Blue Steel Original Vintage Publicity Photo Still John Wayne 34
Blue Steel Original Vintage Publicity Photo Still (8x10&q... Blue Steel Original Vintage Publicity Photo Still (8x10&q... -
Adam West Batman Vintage Autographed Signed Photo
Adam West as Batman, 1966 Vintage Autographed Signed "Batman&quo... Adam West as Batman, 1966 Vintage Autographed Signed "Batman&quo... -
Marilyn Monroe Original Vintage Photo Photographer George Barris
Marilyn Monroe old photos for sale vintage pictures images pics ... Marilyn Monroe old photos for sale vintage pictures images pics ... -
Wizard of Oz Original Vintage Photo Haley, Bolger, Garland Toto
Wizard of Oz memorabilia collectibles photos posters Original Vintage Photo CIN... Wizard of Oz memorabilia collectibles photos posters Original Vintage Photo CIN... -
WALT DISNEY Original Vintage ABC Publicity Photo
Walt Disney Original Vintage Memorabilia Collectibles WALT DISNEY Original Vint... Walt Disney Original Vintage Memorabilia Collectibles WALT DISNEY Original Vint... -
Walt Disney Original Vintage 1941 Photo old antique
Walt Disney old memorabilia collectibles Walt Disney Original Vintag... Walt Disney old memorabilia collectibles Walt Disney Original Vintag... -
Batman Gorgeous Original Photo of the "Joker" 1966 CESAR ROMERO
Old Original Batman Memorabilia Collectibles BATMAN "Joker", 196... Old Original Batman Memorabilia Collectibles BATMAN "Joker", 196... -
Marilyn Monroe Original Vintage Photo HER LAST PHOTO SHOOT! 1962
Marilyn Monroe old photos for sale vintage pictures images pics m... Marilyn Monroe old photos for sale vintage pictures images pics m... -
Beatles Original Vintage Photo - Baltimore Civic Center 1964
Beatles Original Vintage memorabilia collectibles pictures film posters records... Beatles Original Vintage memorabilia collectibles pictures film posters records... -
Marilyn Monroe Original Vintage Photo Photographer George Barris
Marilyn Monroe Original memorabilia collectibles old pictures photos autographs... Marilyn Monroe Original memorabilia collectibles old pictures photos autographs... -
MY LITTLE CHICKADEE Original Vintage Photo W.C. Fields 1940
MY LITTLE CHICKADEE Original Vintage 8x10.25 photo still picture 1940 wack... MY LITTLE CHICKADEE Original Vintage 8x10.25 photo still picture 1940 wack... -
Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein Vintage Press Photo 1948 2
Abbott and Costello original vintage movie memorabilia collectibles horror come... Abbott and Costello original vintage movie memorabilia collectibles horror come... -
Edwin Booth (John Wilkes brother), Original Autographed Photo
Abraham Lincoln Vintage Original Presidential Memorabilia Collectibles For Sale... Abraham Lincoln Vintage Original Presidential Memorabilia Collectibles For Sale... -
Casablanca Original Vintage Movie Photo Still Humphrey Bogart 1
Original Vintage Classic Movie Film Memorabilia Collectibles Photos For Sale Ca... Original Vintage Classic Movie Film Memorabilia Collectibles Photos For Sale Ca... -
Casablanca Original Vintage Movie Photo Still Humphrey Bogart 3
Original Vintage Classic Movie Film Memorabilia Collectibles Photos For Sale Ca... Original Vintage Classic Movie Film Memorabilia Collectibles Photos For Sale Ca... -
Casablanca Original Vintage Movie Photo Still Humphrey Bogart 4
Original Vintage Classic Movie Film Memorabilia Collectibles Photos For Sale Ca... Original Vintage Classic Movie Film Memorabilia Collectibles Photos For Sale Ca... -
Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein Vintage Press Photo 1948 5
Abbott and Costello original vintage movie memorabilia collectibles horror come... Abbott and Costello original vintage movie memorabilia collectibles horror come... -
Three Stooges Original Vintage TYPE I Photo Publicity Still 1935
3 Three Stooges Memorabilia Collectibles Original Vintage For Sale Three Stooge... 3 Three Stooges Memorabilia Collectibles Original Vintage For Sale Three Stooge... -
Abraham Lincoln Vintage 1864 CDV Photo
Abraham Lincoln Original Memorabilia Collectibles Photos Abraham Lincoln ... Abraham Lincoln Original Memorabilia Collectibles Photos Abraham Lincoln ...
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...$2,950.00Casablanca Original Vintage TYPE I Photo Bogart Bergman
Original Vintage Classic Movie Film Memorabilia Collectibles...$1,250.00Bride of Frankenstein Original Vintage TYPE I Photo Elsa Lan
Original Classic Horror Movie Film Posters Historical P...$1,475.00
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