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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He Cooked His Goose Three 3 Stooges Keybook Still Photo 1952
Three 3 Stooges Original Vintage Classic Film Posters Photos Memorabilia Collec... Three 3 Stooges Original Vintage Classic Film Posters Photos Memorabilia Collec... -
Champion Race Car Driver Original Vintage TYPE I Photo, 1915
Original Vintage Sports Car Auto Memorabilia Collectibles Photos Photography Fo... Original Vintage Sports Car Auto Memorabilia Collectibles Photos Photography Fo... -
Three Stooges Time Out For Rhythm Vintage Photo Still 1941
Three 3 Stooges Original Vintage Classic Film Posters Photos Memorabilia Collec... Three 3 Stooges Original Vintage Classic Film Posters Photos Memorabilia Collec... -
Abraham LIncoln CDV Photograph 1865
Original Civil War Abraham Lincoln Political Memorabilia Collectibles Photos For... Original Civil War Abraham Lincoln Political Memorabilia Collectibles Photos For... -
Casablanca RARE Original Vintage GROUP Photo Bogart 10
Original Vintage Classic Movie Film Memorabilia Collectibles Photos For Sale C... Original Vintage Classic Movie Film Memorabilia Collectibles Photos For Sale C... -
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... -
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... -
Batman Original Vintage TV Studio Network TYPE I Photo
Original old photos photography pictures poster Batman Memorabilia Collectibles ... Original old photos photography pictures poster Batman Memorabilia Collectibles ... -
Jack Dempsey vs Gene Tunney Vintage Photo 1927 Jack weigh crowd
1927 Jack Dempsey vs. Gene Tunney "Long Count" Original Vintage Phot... 1927 Jack Dempsey vs. Gene Tunney "Long Count" Original Vintage Phot... -
Jack Dempsey vs Gene Tunney Vintage Photo 1927 Jack leaves weigh
1927 Jack Dempsey vs. Gene Tunney "Long Count" Original Vintage Phot... 1927 Jack Dempsey vs. Gene Tunney "Long Count" Original Vintage Phot... -
Jack Dempsey vs Gene Tunney Vintage Photo 1927 fans wait
1927 Jack Dempsey vs. Gene Tunney "Long Count" Original Vintage Phot... 1927 Jack Dempsey vs. Gene Tunney "Long Count" Original Vintage Phot... -
Muhammad Ali CASSIUS CLAY Decks ARCHIE MOORE wire photo 1962 N1X
CASSIUS CLAY Decks ARCHIE MOORE, 1962 Original Vintage Wire Photo (7x9") ... CASSIUS CLAY Decks ARCHIE MOORE, 1962 Original Vintage Wire Photo (7x9") ... -
Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein Vintage Publicity Photo 1948
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, 1948 Original Vintage Publicity Photo St... Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, 1948 Original Vintage Publicity Photo St... -
MASK OF FU MANCHU Photo Boris Karloff having Makeup 1932
Boris Karloff Original Vintage MASK OF FU MANCHU Photo, 1932 Rare Vintag... Boris Karloff Original Vintage MASK OF FU MANCHU Photo, 1932 Rare Vintag... -
OUR GANG Original Vintage Photography Photo 1932
OUR GANG, 1932 Original Vintage Photography Photo (8x10") Starring Ou... OUR GANG, 1932 Original Vintage Photography Photo (8x10") Starring Ou... -
Casablanca Original Vintage Movie Photo Still Humphrey Bogart 7
Original Vintage Classic Movie Film Memorabilia Collectibles Photos For Sale Cas... Original Vintage Classic Movie Film Memorabilia Collectibles Photos For Sale Cas... -
Help Beatles Original Vintage Still Photo 1965
Beatles original vintage Memorabilia Collectibles pictures posters records... Beatles original vintage Memorabilia Collectibles pictures posters records... -
BARNUM BAILEY CIRCUS SIDESHOW ANTIQUE CABINET PHOTO Dwarf Che
Original Vintage Antique Circus Memorabilia Collectibles For Sale BARNUM &... Original Vintage Antique Circus Memorabilia Collectibles For Sale BARNUM &... -
NATIVE AMERICAN SIOUX INDIAN ENCAMPMENT OVERSIZED CABINET CARD
Historical Antique Vintage Photos Photography Native Americans NATIVE AMERICAN ... Historical Antique Vintage Photos Photography Native Americans NATIVE AMERICAN ... -
Unaccustomed as We Are 1929 Laurel & Hardy Vintage Photo
Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy Original vintage classic Movie Pos... Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy Original vintage classic Movie Pos... -
Hindenburg Original Vintage Photo Picture in Flames
Antique Vintage Photos Photography Memorabilia Collectibles Pictures For Sale H... Antique Vintage Photos Photography Memorabilia Collectibles Pictures For Sale H... -
Monkees Original Vintage NBC Television Press Release photo
"The Monkees", 1967 Original Vintage Type I NBC Color Television ... "The Monkees", 1967 Original Vintage Type I NBC Color Television ... -
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... -
Lucille Ball Stunning Vintage RKO Studio Photo 1940
Lucille Ball Early Vintage RKO Studio Photo, 1940 You could sear... Lucille Ball Early Vintage RKO Studio Photo, 1940 You could sear... -
Charlie Chan's Chance Vintage Movie Theater Photo Warner Oland
Original Classic Old Vintage Film Theater Movie Posters Photos Memorabilia Colle... Original Classic Old Vintage Film Theater Movie Posters Photos Memorabilia Colle... -
Man from Planet X Original Vintage Sci Fi Studio Photo 1951
Original Vintage Classic Film Horror Sci Fi Movie Theater Posters For Sale The M... Original Vintage Classic Film Horror Sci Fi Movie Theater Posters For Sale The M... -
Ghost of Frankenstein Original Vintage TYPE I Photo Lon Chaney 8
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... -
Giant James Dean Original Vintage Still Photo stunning 1955
Original Vintage Classic Old Movie Film Theater Posters Lobby Cards ... Original Vintage Classic Old Movie Film Theater Posters Lobby Cards ... -
MIGHTY JOE YOUNG Original Vintage photo still
MIGHTY JOE YOUNG Original Vintage 8.25x10" photo publicity still, 1949 Spe... MIGHTY JOE YOUNG Original Vintage 8.25x10" photo publicity still, 1949 Spe... -
Casablanca Original Vintage Movie Photo Still Humphrey Bogart 6
Original Vintage Classic Movie Film Memorabilia Collectibles Photos For Sale Ca... Original Vintage Classic Movie Film Memorabilia Collectibles Photos For Sale Ca... -
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... -
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... -
Abbott & Costello Meet the Mummy, 5 original still photos, 1955
Abbott & Costello Meet the Mummy Original still photos (five), 1955 Origin... Abbott & Costello Meet the Mummy Original still photos (five), 1955 Origin... -
Freaks Vintage Still Photo 1932 Main stars and Freaks
"Freaks", 1932 Original Vintage Still Photo Incredible high contrast... "Freaks", 1932 Original Vintage Still Photo Incredible high contrast... -
Pride of the Yankees, Gary Cooper still photo 1949 Babe Ruth
"The Pride of the Yankees", 1949 Original Vintage Promotional Photo (... "The Pride of the Yankees", 1949 Original Vintage Promotional Photo (... -
Charlie Chan at the Opera Vintage Still Photo Oland & Karloff
"Charlie Chan at the Opera " Original Vintage Photo Still, 1936 Starr... "Charlie Chan at the Opera " Original Vintage Photo Still, 1936 Starr... -
W.C. Fields in Poppy Original vintage photo POPPY
W.C. Fields in Poppy, 1935 Original Vintage Photo (8x10") Striking vintag... W.C. Fields in Poppy, 1935 Original Vintage Photo (8x10") Striking vintag... -
Invasion of the Saucer-Men Vintage Sci Fi Movie Still Publicity
Invasion of the Saucer-Men Original Vintage Sci Fi Movie Still Publicity Photo ... Invasion of the Saucer-Men Original Vintage Sci Fi Movie Still Publicity Photo ... -
MIGHTY JOE YOUNG Original Vintage photo still Lion
MIGHTY JOE YOUNG Original Vintage 8.25x10" photo publicity still, 19... MIGHTY JOE YOUNG Original Vintage 8.25x10" photo publicity still, 19... -
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") ... -
President DONALD TRUMP Original Vintage Press/Publicity Photo
President DONALD TRUMP Original Vintage Press/Publicity Photo, 1989 Love him ... President DONALD TRUMP Original Vintage Press/Publicity Photo, 1989 Love him ... -
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World Three Stooges Photo Still 1963
Original Vintage Movie Film Theater Posters Memorabilia Collectibles 3 Thr... Original Vintage Movie Film Theater Posters Memorabilia Collectibles 3 Thr... -
BARNUM BAILEY CIRCUS SIDESHOW FAT BOY PERFORMER PHOTO Navarro
Original Vintage Antique Circus Memorabilia Collectibles For Sale BARNUM &... Original Vintage Antique Circus Memorabilia Collectibles For Sale BARNUM &... -
Civil War Photo,CDV Uniformed Solider with Bugle
Civil War Photos CDV Tintype Memorabilia Collectibles For Sale Civil War P... Civil War Photos CDV Tintype Memorabilia Collectibles For Sale Civil War P... -
Mickey Mantle Original Vintage Baseball Press Photo
Mickey Mantle Vintage Classic Sports Memorabilia Collectibles Baseball Photos C... Mickey Mantle Vintage Classic Sports Memorabilia Collectibles Baseball Photos C... -
Babe Ruth Lou Gehrig Original Vintage Baseball Photo
Babe Ruth Vintage Classic Sports Baseball Memorabilia Collectibles Baseball Pho... Babe Ruth Vintage Classic Sports Baseball Memorabilia Collectibles Baseball Pho... -
Abbott and Costello Original vintage Studio Portrait Photo 1941
Abbott and Costello original vintage movie memorabilia collectibles horror come... Abbott and Costello original vintage movie memorabilia collectibles horror come... -
Casablanca RARE Original Vintage Bogart Photo Still 4b
Original Vintage Classic Movie Film Memorabilia Collectibles Photos For Sale Ca... Original Vintage Classic Movie Film Memorabilia Collectibles Photos For Sale Ca... -
Casablanca RARE Original Vintage Movie Herald Bogart 1942
Original Vintage Classic Movie Film Memorabilia Collectibles Photos For Sale Ca... Original Vintage Classic Movie Film Memorabilia Collectibles Photos For Sale Ca... -
Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, Vintage photo, James Sewart, 39
Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, 1939 Original 8x10" Vintage Photo Still Star... Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, 1939 Original 8x10" Vintage Photo Still Star... -
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... -
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 &... -
FRANK SINATRA Stunning ORIGINAL Vintage Press Photo 1945 N1X
SUPERB 1945 Original Photo FRANK SINATRA Young & Handsome BEAUTY ! YOUNG ... SUPERB 1945 Original Photo FRANK SINATRA Young & Handsome BEAUTY ! YOUNG ... -
Princeton Baseball Team Old Vintage Photograph 1906
Princeton Baseball Team Old Vintage Photograph 1906 Original Vintage historic ... Princeton Baseball Team Old Vintage Photograph 1906 Original Vintage historic ... -
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... -
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...
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
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