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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PABLO PICASSO Original vintage TYPE I photograph photo 1960s
Historical Art Photography Photographer Pablo Picasso Original Vintage TYPE I ... Historical Art Photography Photographer Pablo Picasso Original Vintage TYPE I ... -
MUMMY'S GHOST Original Vintage still photo Lon Chaney 1944
MUMMY'S GHOST Original Vintage still 8x10" photo, 1944 Starring Lon Ch... MUMMY'S GHOST Original Vintage still 8x10" photo, 1944 Starring Lon Ch... -
Marilyn Monroe in LOVE NEST Original Vintage photo still
Marilyn Monroe in LOVE NEST Original Vintage Publicity Photo Still (8x10&q... Marilyn Monroe in LOVE NEST Original Vintage Publicity Photo Still (8x10&q... -
BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS SIDESHOW Photo WILD MEN OF BORNEO
Original Vintage Antique Circus Memorabilia Collectibles For Sale BARNUM &... Original Vintage Antique Circus Memorabilia Collectibles For Sale BARNUM &... -
Mummy's Ghost Original Vintage Theatrical Photo Still Lon Chaney
Original Vintage Horror Sci Fi Movie Posters Photos Memorabilia Collectibles Fo... Original Vintage Horror Sci Fi Movie Posters Photos Memorabilia Collectibles Fo... -
TWO TARS Laurel Hardy Original Vintage Photo 1928
Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy Original vintage classic Movie Posters Memorabili... Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy Original vintage classic Movie Posters Memorabili... -
Wolf Man Original TYPE I Vintage Movie Photo Lon Chaney 3
Original Vintage Classic Horror Sci Fi Old Movie Posters Film Photos Memor... Original Vintage Classic Horror Sci Fi Old Movie Posters Film Photos Memor... -
Wolf Man Original TYPE I Vintage Movie Photo Lon Chaney 5
Original Vintage Classic Horror Sci Fi Old Movie Posters Film Photos Memor... Original Vintage Classic Horror Sci Fi Old Movie Posters Film Photos Memor... -
Civil War soldier 1/4 Plate Tin Type brass, bayonet
Civil War tintype soldier, brass, bayonet Rare unusual hat Civil War tintype, se... Civil War tintype soldier, brass, bayonet Rare unusual hat Civil War tintype, se... -
Civil War soldier 1/6 Plate Tinted Tin Type
Civil War Soldier Tin Type photo 1/6 plate. Very nice image with a Civil War s... Civil War Soldier Tin Type photo 1/6 plate. Very nice image with a Civil War 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... -
Charlie Chaplin Vintage still photo from "Sunnyside" 1917
"Sunnyside", 1917 Original Vintage Still Photo Starring Charlie Chapl... "Sunnyside", 1917 Original Vintage Still Photo Starring Charlie Chapl... -
THREE STOOGES 3 Original Vintage Keybook Promotional Photo Still
Authentic 3 Three Stooges Memorabilia Collectibles Merchandise Autograph THE TH... Authentic 3 Three Stooges Memorabilia Collectibles Merchandise Autograph THE TH... -
Batman 1966 Original Vintage ABC Network Photo Adam West
Historical vintage classic TV Batman movie film theater photos photography photo... Historical vintage classic TV Batman movie film theater photos photography photo... -
Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man Vintage Photo Chaney Lugosi
Historical vintage classic movie film theater photos photography photos pictures... Historical vintage classic movie film theater photos photography photos pictures... -
Wolf Man Original Vintage Photo Lon Chaney 1941
Original Vintage Classic Horror Sci Fi Old Movie Posters Film Photos ... Original Vintage Classic Horror Sci Fi Old Movie Posters Film Photos ... -
Civil War Soldiers - tintype 1/4 plate, Holmes NY
Civil War Soldiers - tintype 1/4 plate, Holmes NY Civil War tintypes, 2 soldiers... Civil War Soldiers - tintype 1/4 plate, Holmes NY Civil War tintypes, 2 soldiers... -
Hindenburg - Historic Photo of burning Hindenburg, 1937 6
Hindenburg Original News Wire/Press release Photo (8x10") Survivor in phot... Hindenburg Original News Wire/Press release Photo (8x10") Survivor in phot... -
Babe Ruth Story, Original Photo w/Babe Ruth, 1948
The Babe Ruth Story, 1948 Original Promotional photo (8x10") Terrific and... The Babe Ruth Story, 1948 Original Promotional photo (8x10") Terrific and... -
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... -
Wizard of OZ Vintage Photo Rare 1939
The Wizard of OZ, 1939 Original Vintage Photo Rare Original 1939 8x10" ph... The Wizard of OZ, 1939 Original Vintage Photo Rare Original 1939 8x10" ph... -
BABE RUTH is Dead Photo 1948 Vintage TYPE I photo
Origina l Vintage Sports Memorabilia Movie Lou Gehrig Babe Ruth Collectibles Fo... Origina l Vintage Sports Memorabilia Movie Lou Gehrig Babe Ruth Collectibles Fo... -
Hindenburg - Historic Photo of burning Hindenburg, 1937 2
Hindenburg Original News Wire/Press release Photo (8x10") Original Period ... Hindenburg Original News Wire/Press release Photo (8x10") Original Period ... -
Hindenburg - Historic Photo of burning Hindenburg, 1937 3
Hindenburg Original News Wire/Press release Photo (8x10") Original Period ... Hindenburg Original News Wire/Press release Photo (8x10") Original Period ... -
Hindenburg - Historic Photo of burning Hindenburg, 1937 4
Hindenburg Original News Wire/Press release Photo (8x10") Original Period ... Hindenburg Original News Wire/Press release Photo (8x10") Original Period ... -
Hindenburg - Historic Photo of burning Hindenburg, 1937 5
Hindenburg Original News Wire/Press release Photo (8x10") Original Period ... Hindenburg Original News Wire/Press release Photo (8x10") Original Period ... -
Hindenburg Original News Wire/Press release Photo 1936
Hindenburg Original News Wire/Press release Photo (8x10") Original Period ... Hindenburg Original News Wire/Press release Photo (8x10") Original Period ... -
Hindenburg Original News Wire/Press release Photo 1936 docking
Hindenburg Original News Wire/Press release Photo (8x10") Original Period ... Hindenburg Original News Wire/Press release Photo (8x10") Original Period ... -
Elvis Presley Original Vintage Keybook Photo 1965
Elvis Presley Original Vintage Keybook Photo (8x10") Elvis Presley and Don... Elvis Presley Original Vintage Keybook Photo (8x10") Elvis Presley and Don... -
INVISIBLE RAY Rare Original Vintage Still Photo Lugosi Karloff
INVISIBLE RAY, 1936 Original Vintage Photo (8x10") Starring Bela ... INVISIBLE RAY, 1936 Original Vintage Photo (8x10") Starring Bela ... -
Lee Harvey Oswald Original Vintage TYPE I Photograph
President autograph signature JFK John Kennedy memorabilia Collectibles old pic... President autograph signature JFK John Kennedy memorabilia Collectibles old pic... -
Wizard of OZ Original Vintage Photo still promotiona Judy Garlan
The Wizard of Oz movie film theater posters photos memorabilia collectibles For... The Wizard of Oz movie film theater posters photos memorabilia collectibles For... -
Vertigo Original Vintage Photo Still Alfred Hitchcock 1958 1
Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo Vintage Classic Movie Still Phot... Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo Vintage Classic Movie Still Phot... -
Psycho Original Vintage Photo Still Alfred Hitchcock 1960 1
Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Psycho Psycho Classic Movie Still P... Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Psycho Psycho Classic Movie Still P... -
Hell's Angels Original Vintage Movie PROGRAM Harlow Hughes
Original Classic Old Vintage Film Theater Movie Posters Military Aviation Photos... Original Classic Old Vintage Film Theater Movie Posters Military Aviation Photos... -
Muhammad Ali Original Vintage TYPE 1 Boxing Photo 1971 Floored
Muhammad Ali CASSIUS CLAY Vintage Classic Sports Boxing Memorabilia Collectibles... Muhammad Ali CASSIUS CLAY Vintage Classic Sports Boxing Memorabilia Collectibles... -
Marilyn Monroe Original Vintage TYPE IÂ "BUS STOP" Photo
Original Vintage Memorabilia Collectibles Marilyn Monroe Photos Photography For... Original Vintage Memorabilia Collectibles Marilyn Monroe Photos Photography For... -
Charlie Chaplin Doug Fairban Original Vintage Movie Circus Photo
ORIGINAL Antique Vintage movie circus publicity TYPE I Photo Charlie Chapl... ORIGINAL Antique Vintage movie circus publicity TYPE I Photo Charlie Chapl... -
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 ... -
Adam West Batman Original Vintage Historic TYPE I Photo
Original old photos photography pictures poster Batman Memorabilia Collectibles ... Original old photos photography pictures poster Batman Memorabilia Collectibles ... -
Casablanca RARE Original Vintage Photo Bogart Henred 11
Original Vintage Classic Movie Film Memorabilia Collectibles Photos For Sale Ca... Original Vintage Classic Movie Film Memorabilia Collectibles Photos For Sale Ca... -
Ghost of Frankenstein Original Vintage TYPE I Photo Lon Chaney 5
Original Vintage Classic Film Horror Sci Fi Movie Theater Posters Photos For Sal... Original Vintage Classic Film Horror Sci Fi Movie Theater Posters Photos For Sal... -
Ghost of Frankenstein Original Vintage TYPE I Photo Lon Chaney 6
Original Vintage Classic Film Horror Sci Fi Movie Theater Posters Photos For Sal... Original Vintage Classic Film Horror Sci Fi Movie Theater Posters Photos For Sal... -
Ghost of Frankenstein Original Vintage TYPE I Photo Lon Chaney 7
Original Vintage Classic Film Horror Sci Fi Movie Theater Posters Photos For Sal... Original Vintage Classic Film Horror Sci Fi Movie Theater Posters Photos For Sal... -
Ghost of Frankenstein Original Vintage TYPE I Photo Lon Chaney 4
Original Vintage Classic Film Horror Sci Fi Movie Theater Posters Photos For Sal... Original Vintage Classic Film Horror Sci Fi Movie Theater Posters Photos For Sal... -
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... -
Walt Disney Original Vintage Historic Photo Alice in Wonderland
Original Vintage Walt Disney Memorabilia Collectibles Photos Photography For Sal... Original Vintage Walt Disney Memorabilia Collectibles Photos Photography For Sal... -
Walt Disney Original Vintage Historic Photo Alice Wonderland 6
Original Vintage Walt Disney Memorabilia Collectibles Photos Photography For Sal... Original Vintage Walt Disney Memorabilia Collectibles Photos Photography For Sal... -
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... -
Night at the Opera Marx Brothers Original Vintage Photo 1935
Antique Vintage Photos Photography Memorabilia Collectibles Pictures For Sale ... Antique Vintage Photos Photography Memorabilia Collectibles Pictures For Sale ... -
Walt Disney Original Vintage Historic Photo Alice Wonderland 2
Original Vintage Walt Disney Memorabilia Collectibles Photos Photography For Sal... Original Vintage Walt Disney Memorabilia Collectibles Photos Photography For Sal... -
Walt Disney Original Vintage Historic Photo Alice Wonderland 3
Original Vintage Walt Disney Memorabilia Collectibles Photos Photography For Sal... Original Vintage Walt Disney Memorabilia Collectibles Photos Photography For Sal... -
Walt Disney Original Vintage Historic Photo Alice Wonderland 4
Original Vintage Walt Disney Memorabilia Collectibles Photos Photography For Sal... Original Vintage Walt Disney Memorabilia Collectibles Photos Photography For Sal... -
Walt Disney Original Vintage Photo Alice in Wonderland 5
Original Vintage Walt Disney Memorabilia Collectibles Photos Photography For Sal... Original Vintage Walt Disney Memorabilia Collectibles Photos Photography For Sal... -
Abraham Lincoln Photograph Matthew Brady Anthony Berger, 1865
Historical Photography Abraham Lincoln Photos Civil War Abraham Lincoln Photogra... Historical Photography Abraham Lincoln Photos Civil War Abraham Lincoln Photogra... -
Jack Dempsey vs Gene Tunney Vintage Photo 1927 Jack ducks
1927 Jack Dempsey vs. Gene Tunney "Long Count" Original Vintage Phot... 1927 Jack Dempsey vs. Gene Tunney "Long Count" Original Vintage Phot... -
Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein 1948 Original Vintage Photo
Classic Movie Memorabilia Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, 1948 Original ... Classic Movie Memorabilia Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, 1948 Original ...
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...$1,250.00Lou Gehrig Rare TYPE IÂ Baseball Yankees Photo Picture Final
Original Vintage Classic Sports Baseball Babe Ruth Lou Gehri...$2,950.00Son 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
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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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