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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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 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... -
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... -
Giant James Dean Elizabeth Taylor Original Vintage Still Photo 2
Original Vintage Classic Old Movie Film Theater Posters Lobby Cards ... Original Vintage Classic Old Movie Film Theater Posters Lobby Cards ... -
Giant James Dean Elizabeth Taylor Original Vintage Still Photo 3
Original Vintage Classic Old Movie Film Theater Posters Lobby Cards ... Original Vintage Classic Old Movie Film Theater Posters Lobby Cards ... -
Giant James Dean Elizabeth Taylor Original Vintage Still Photo 4
"Giant", 1956 Original Vintage Glossy Still Photo (8x10") Starri... "Giant", 1956 Original Vintage Glossy Still Photo (8x10") Starri... -
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... -
Casablanca Original Vintage Movie Photo Still Humphrey Bogart 2
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 4
Abbott and Costello original vintage movie memorabilia collectibles horror come... Abbott and Costello original vintage movie memorabilia collectibles horror come... -
Attack of the Crab Monsters Original Vintage Movie Still Photo
Original Vintage Horror Sci Fi Movie Posters Photos Memorabilia Collectib... Original Vintage Horror Sci Fi Movie Posters Photos Memorabilia Collectib... -
FIRST Shingle Saw Antique Photo Picture RARE 1860s
Antique Old Time Vintage Photos Pictures Photography For Sale Civil ... Antique Old Time Vintage Photos Pictures Photography For Sale Civil ... -
Attack of the 50 Foot Woman Original Vintage Photo Still
Original Vintage Classic Horror Sci Fi Old Movie Posters Film Memorab... Original Vintage Classic Horror Sci Fi Old Movie Posters Film Memorab... -
Pride of the Yankee Original Vintage Photo Gary Cooper
Original old photos photography pictures poster Sports Memorabilia Memorabilia C... Original old photos photography pictures poster Sports Memorabilia Memorabilia C... -
Jack Johnson Original Vintage Boxing Photo facsimile signature
Jack Johnson Vintage Classic Sports Boxing Photos Memorabilia Collectibles Cards... Jack Johnson Vintage Classic Sports Boxing Photos Memorabilia Collectibles Cards... -
Abbott & Costello Hold That Ghost Original photo 1941
Abbott & Costello in "Hold That Ghost", 1941 Original Vintage 8x1... Abbott & Costello in "Hold That Ghost", 1941 Original Vintage 8x1... -
Charles Lindbergh - Historic Wire Service photo 1933 - 2
Charles Lindbergh Original Historic Aviation Wire Service photo 1933 &qu... Charles Lindbergh Original Historic Aviation Wire Service photo 1933 &qu... -
Charles Lindbergh - Historic Wire Service photo 1938 -3
Charles Lindbergh Original Historic Aviation Wire Service photo 1938 &q... Charles Lindbergh Original Historic Aviation Wire Service photo 1938 &q... -
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... -
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... -
Buffalo Nickel Coin Chief Two Guns Press Photo, 1931
Orig '31 Buffalo Nickel Coin Chief Two Guns Press Photo VERY RARE, ONE-Of-A-Ki... Orig '31 Buffalo Nickel Coin Chief Two Guns Press Photo VERY RARE, ONE-Of-A-Ki... -
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... -
Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo Original Vintage Still Photo 1958
Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo", 1958 Original Vintage Still Photo ... Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo", 1958 Original Vintage Still Photo ... -
Giant James Dean Elizabeth Taylor Original Vintage Still Photo 5
"Giant", 1956 Original Vintage Glossy Still Photo (8x10") Starri... "Giant", 1956 Original Vintage Glossy Still Photo (8x10") Starri... -
Civil War CDV of Great Looking Union Western Theater Soldier
Civil War Photos Tintype Memorabilia Collectibles For Sale Civil War CDV ... Civil War Photos Tintype Memorabilia Collectibles For Sale Civil War CDV ... -
Vertigo Vintage Original Studio Photo Alfred Hitchcock James Ste
Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo Vintage Classic Movie Posters Film Me... Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo Vintage Classic Movie Posters Film Me... -
Vertigo Original Vintage Photo Still Alfred Hitchcock 1958 4
Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo Vintage Classic Movie Still Phot... Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo Vintage Classic Movie Still Phot... -
Vertigo Original Vintage Photo Still Alfred Hitchcock 1958 10
Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo Vintage Classic Movie Still Phot... Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo Vintage Classic Movie Still Phot... -
Vertigo Original Vintage Photo Still Alfred Hitchcock 1958 17
Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo Vintage Classic Movie Still Phot... Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo Vintage Classic Movie Still Phot... -
Vertigo Original Vintage Photo Still Alfred Hitchcock 1958 14
Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo Vintage Classic Movie Still Phot... Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo Vintage Classic Movie Still Phot... -
Billie Burke Original Vintage Photograph Wizard OZ Clarence Bull
Billie Burke (aka Oz Witch "Glinda") Original Vintage Type I Ph... Billie Burke (aka Oz Witch "Glinda") Original Vintage Type I Ph... -
Abbott & Costello The Noose Hangs High vintage still, 1948
Abbott & Costello "The Noose Hangs High" Vintage 8x10" Still... Abbott & Costello "The Noose Hangs High" Vintage 8x10" Still... -
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 ... -
Clark Gable - Greta Garbo 1931 - Original Vintage Photo Stills
Greta Garbo and Clark Gable in "Susan Lenox (Her Fall and Rise)" , 19... Greta Garbo and Clark Gable in "Susan Lenox (Her Fall and Rise)" , 19... -
Jack Johnson Jess Willard Wire/Press Photo for 1915 Fight
Jack Johnson vs Jess Willard Original Vintage Photo, 1915 Great vintage wire p... Jack Johnson vs Jess Willard Original Vintage Photo, 1915 Great vintage wire p... -
Princeton Baseball Team Vintage Photo 1906
Princeton Baseball Team Vintage Photo 1906 Nice rare vintage 5x7" photo o... Princeton Baseball Team Vintage Photo 1906 Nice rare vintage 5x7" photo o... -
Freaks Original Vintage Photo Still 1932
"Freaks" Original Vintage Photo Still (8x10"), 1932 Rare origin... "Freaks" Original Vintage Photo Still (8x10"), 1932 Rare origin... -
Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein Vintage Press Photo 1948
Abbott and Costello original vintage movie memorabilia collectibles horror come... Abbott and Costello original vintage movie memorabilia collectibles horror come... -
Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein Vintage Press Photo 1956
Abbott and Costello original vintage movie memorabilia collectibles horror come... Abbott and Costello original vintage movie memorabilia collectibles horror come... -
Abbott Costello Meet the Invisible Man Original Viintage Photo
Abbott and Costello original vintage movie memorabilia collectibles horror come... Abbott and Costello original vintage movie memorabilia collectibles horror come... -
Barbra Streisand Original Vintage TV Special publicity photo
Barbra Streisand Memorabilia Collectibles Photos Autographs Barbra Streisand Or... Barbra Streisand Memorabilia Collectibles Photos Autographs Barbra Streisand Or... -
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... -
Beatles Come to Town Beatles Original Vintage Still Photo
Beatles original vintage memorabilia collectibles pictures posters records... Beatles original vintage memorabilia collectibles pictures posters records... -
Pride of the Yankees Vintage Photo Still Babe Ruth Memorabilia2
Babe Ruth Vintage Classic Sports Memorabilia Collectibles Baseball Cards Autogr... Babe Ruth Vintage Classic Sports Memorabilia Collectibles Baseball Cards Autogr... -
Pride of the Yankees Vintage Photo Still Babe Ruth Memorabilia3
Babe Ruth Vintage Classic Sports Memorabilia Collectibles Baseball Cards Autogr... Babe Ruth Vintage Classic Sports Memorabilia Collectibles Baseball Cards Autogr... -
Bobby Orr Original Vintage Photograph Photo Hockey Bruins A
Bobby Orr Vintage Classic Sports Hockey Memorabilia Collectibles Baseball Photo... Bobby Orr Vintage Classic Sports Hockey Memorabilia Collectibles Baseball Photo... -
Bobby Orr Original Vintage Photograph Photo Hockey Bruins B
Bobby Orr Vintage Classic Sports Hockey Memorabilia Collectibles Baseball Photo... Bobby Orr Vintage Classic Sports Hockey Memorabilia Collectibles Baseball Photo... -
President Harry Truman Original Vintage Photograph Baseball
Original Vintage Memorabilia Collectibles Historical Photos Photography For Sale... Original Vintage Memorabilia Collectibles Historical Photos Photography For Sale... -
FDR FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT Original Vintage/Antique Photo
FDR FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT Original Vintage/Antique Photo (8x10") &nb... FDR FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT Original Vintage/Antique Photo (8x10") &nb... -
Vertigo Original Vintage Photo Still Alfred Hitchcock 1958 7
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 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 5
Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Psycho Psycho Classic Movie Still P... Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Psycho Psycho Classic Movie Still P... -
Vertigo Original Vintage Photo Still Alfred Hitchcock 1958 15
Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo Vintage Classic Movie Still Phot... Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo Vintage Classic Movie Still Phot... -
Vertigo Original Vintage Photo Still Alfred Hitchcock 1958 16
Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo Vintage Classic Movie Still Phot... Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo Vintage Classic Movie Still Phot... -
Vertigo Original Vintage Photo Still Alfred Hitchcock 1958 20
Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo Vintage Classic Movie Still Phot... Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo Vintage Classic Movie Still Phot... -
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... -
Jaws Original Vintage Movie Promotional Still Photos 1975
Original Vintage Horror Sci Fi Jaws Movie Posters Photos Memorabilia Collectible... Original Vintage Horror Sci Fi Jaws Movie Posters Photos Memorabilia Collectible...
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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