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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Giant James Dean Elizabeth Taylor Original Vintage Still Photo 8
"Giant", 1956 Original Vintage Glossy Still Photo (8x10") Starri... "Giant", 1956 Original Vintage Glossy Still Photo (8x10") Starri... -
Giant James Dean Elizabeth Taylor Original Vintage Still Photo 9
"Giant", 1956 Original Vintage Glossy Still Photo (8x10") Starri... "Giant", 1956 Original Vintage Glossy Still Photo (8x10") Starri... -
Giant James Dean Elizabeth Taylor Original Vintage Still Photo10
"Giant", 1956 Original Vintage Glossy Still Photo (8x10") Starri... "Giant", 1956 Original Vintage Glossy Still Photo (8x10") Starri... -
Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein Vintage Press Photo 1948 6
Abbott and Costello original vintage movie memorabilia collectibles horror come... Abbott and Costello original vintage movie memorabilia collectibles horror come... -
Jaws Original Vintage Mini Lobby Card Movie Posters 1975
Original Vintage Jaws Horror Sci Fi Classic Movie Film Theater Posters Memorabi... Original Vintage Jaws Horror Sci Fi Classic Movie Film Theater Posters Memorabi... -
Godfather Rare Original Vintage Still Photos Marlon Brando 1972
Godfather Marlon Brando Original Vintage Movie Memorabilia Collectibles Fo... Godfather Marlon Brando Original Vintage Movie Memorabilia Collectibles Fo... -
THREE STOOGES Original Vintage Keybook Promotional Photo Still3
Authentic 3 Three Stooges Memorabilia Collectibles Merchandise Autograph THE TH... Authentic 3 Three Stooges Memorabilia Collectibles Merchandise Autograph THE TH... -
THREE STOOGES Original Vintage Keybook Promotional Photo Still4
Authentic 3 Three Stooges Memorabilia Collectibles Merchandise Autograph THE TH... Authentic 3 Three Stooges Memorabilia Collectibles Merchandise Autograph THE TH... -
THREE STOOGES Original Vintage Keybook Promotional Photo Still5
Authentic 3 Three Stooges Memorabilia Collectibles Merchandise Autograph THE TH... Authentic 3 Three Stooges Memorabilia Collectibles Merchandise Autograph THE TH... -
THREE STOOGES Original Vintage Keybook Promotional Photo Still6
Authentic 3 Three Stooges Memorabilia Collectibles Merchandise Autograph THE TH... Authentic 3 Three Stooges Memorabilia Collectibles Merchandise Autograph THE TH... -
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... -
Elvis on Tour Original Vintage Photo Still Elvis Presley 1972
Elvis Presley Memorabilia Collectibles old photos posters pictures For Sale &qu... Elvis Presley Memorabilia Collectibles old photos posters pictures For Sale &qu... -
King Kong vs. Godzilla Original Vintage Photo Still 1963
Original Vintage Classic Horror Sci Fi Old Movie Posters Photos ... Original Vintage Classic Horror Sci Fi Old Movie Posters Photos ... -
Elvis on Tour Original Vintage Photo Still Elvis Presley 1972 4
Elvis Presley Memorabilia Collectibles old photos posters pictures For Sale &q... Elvis Presley Memorabilia Collectibles old photos posters pictures For Sale &q... -
Elvis on Tour Original Vintage Photo Still Elvis Presley 1972 6
Elvis Presley Memorabilia Collectibles old photos posters pictures For Sale &q... Elvis Presley Memorabilia Collectibles old photos posters pictures For Sale &q... -
Tarzan Original Vintage Photo Johnny Weissmuller Sullivan 1932
"Tarzan", 1932 Original Vintage Photo, (8x10") Starring Johnny ... "Tarzan", 1932 Original Vintage Photo, (8x10") Starring Johnny ... -
Vertigo Original Vintage Photo Still Alfred Hitchcock 1958 8
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 12
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 18
Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo Vintage Classic Movie Still Phot... Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo Vintage Classic Movie Still Phot... -
Elvis on Tour Original Vintage Photo Still Elvis Presley 1972 7
Elvis Presley Memorabilia Collectibles old photos posters pictures For Sale &q... Elvis Presley Memorabilia Collectibles old photos posters pictures For Sale &q... -
Elvis on Tour Original Vintage Photo Still Elvis Presley 1972 8
Elvis Presley Memorabilia Collectibles old photos posters pictures For Sale &q... Elvis Presley Memorabilia Collectibles old photos posters pictures For Sale &q... -
Elvis on Tour Original Vintage Photo Still Elvis Presley 1972 9
Elvis Presley Memorabilia Collectibles old photos posters pictures For Sale &q... Elvis Presley Memorabilia Collectibles old photos posters pictures For Sale &q... -
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World Vintage Photo Still 1963
Original Vintage Movie Film Theater Posters Photos Pictures Memorabilia Collecti... Original Vintage Movie Film Theater Posters Photos Pictures Memorabilia Collecti... -
White Zombie Bela Lugosi original vintage still photo 1932
"White Zombie", 1932 Original Vintage Still Photo (8x10") Starr... "White Zombie", 1932 Original Vintage Still Photo (8x10") Starr... -
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 & ... -
Pride of the Yankees, Gary Cooper still photo 1949 Wife kitchen
"The Pride of the Yankees", 1949 Original Vintage Promotional Photo (... "The Pride of the Yankees", 1949 Original Vintage Promotional Photo (... -
Pride of the Yankees, Gary Cooper still photo 1949 wife shopping
"The Pride of the Yankees", 1949 Original Vintage Promotional Photo (... "The Pride of the Yankees", 1949 Original Vintage Promotional Photo (... -
Pride of the Yankees, Gary Cooper still photo 1949 restuarant
"The Pride of the Yankees", 1949 Original Vintage Promotional Photo (... "The Pride of the Yankees", 1949 Original Vintage Promotional Photo (... -
Pride of the Yankees, Gary Cooper still photo 1949 waiter
"The Pride of the Yankees", 1949 Original Vintage Promotional Photo (... "The Pride of the Yankees", 1949 Original Vintage Promotional Photo (... -
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... -
Harvey Original Vintage Photo James Stewart 1950 Jesse White
Original Vintage Movie Memorabilia Collectibles Photos Photography For Sale H... Original Vintage Movie Memorabilia Collectibles Photos Photography For Sale H... -
Psycho Original Vintage photo still 1960 Alfred Hitchcock 9
Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Psycho Psycho Classic Movie Still P... Original Classic Alfred Hitchcock Psycho Psycho Classic Movie Still P... -
You Can't Cheat an Honest Man Vintage Still Photos WC Fields 39
You Can't Cheat an Honest Man, 1939 Original Vintage Photo Stills (8x10&quo... You Can't Cheat an Honest Man, 1939 Original Vintage Photo Stills (8x10&quo... -
Giant James Dean Elizabeth Taylor Original Vintage Still Photo11
"Giant", 1956 Original Vintage Glossy Still Photo (8x10") Starri... "Giant", 1956 Original Vintage Glossy Still Photo (8x10") Starri... -
Ghost Comes Home Vintage Photo Frank Morgan Billie Burke 1940
The Ghost Comes Home (1940) Original Vintage Photo Still (8x10") Starring ... The Ghost Comes Home (1940) Original Vintage Photo Still (8x10") Starring ... -
Walt Disney - "Fantasia", original 8x10 photo 1942
Walt Disney "Fantasia", 1942 Original 8x10" Vintage Photo Here i... Walt Disney "Fantasia", 1942 Original 8x10" Vintage Photo Here i... -
Frank Morgan Original Vintage 1930s photo still
Frank Morgan Original Vintage Photo Still (8x10") Original circa 1930s v... Frank Morgan Original Vintage Photo Still (8x10") Original circa 1930s v... -
Buck Privates Abbott & Costello Vintage Original Photos 1941 2
Buck Privates, 1941 Original Vintage Gelatin Silver Photos Starring Bud Abbott,... Buck Privates, 1941 Original Vintage Gelatin Silver Photos Starring Bud Abbott,... -
BABE RUTH - Historic Wire Photo 1934 FINAL Yankee Game
Origina l Vintage Sports Classic Baseball Memorabilia Movie Lou Gehrig Babe Rut... Origina l Vintage Sports Classic Baseball Memorabilia Movie Lou Gehrig Babe Rut... -
BABE RUTH Wire Photo 1935 Lonesome Babe
Babe Ruth 1935 Wire Photo BABE RUTH - "Lonesome Babe" DESCRIP... Babe Ruth 1935 Wire Photo BABE RUTH - "Lonesome Babe" DESCRIP... -
Vintage Baseball Wire Photo Babe Ruth 1929 Showing Bat
Babe Ruth 1929 Wire Photo BABE RUTH Yankees showing off bat DESCRIPTION An OR... Babe Ruth 1929 Wire Photo BABE RUTH Yankees showing off bat DESCRIPTION An OR... -
Babe Ruth Wire Photo 1939 in His Apartment
Babe Ruth SUPERB Wire Photo BABE RUTH in his APARTMENT Awesome! DESCRIPTION Wa... Babe Ruth SUPERB Wire Photo BABE RUTH in his APARTMENT Awesome! DESCRIPTION Wa... -
LOU GEHRIG Vintage Baseball wire photo 1929 Batting Action
Lou Gehrig 1929 Wire Photo LOU GEHRIG Batting Action YANKEE S DESCRIPTION ... Lou Gehrig 1929 Wire Photo LOU GEHRIG Batting Action YANKEE S DESCRIPTION ... -
Popeye, 1936 "Popeye the Sailor Meets Sinbad", TWO Stills,1936
"Popeye", 1936 "POPEYE THE SAILOR MEETS SINBAD THE SAILOR"... "Popeye", 1936 "POPEYE THE SAILOR MEETS SINBAD THE SAILOR"... -
Jimmie Foxx RARE Original 1928 Wire Photo
Vintage Sports Baseball Memorabilia Collectibles Old Photos pictures Jimmie Fox... Vintage Sports Baseball Memorabilia Collectibles Old Photos pictures Jimmie Fox... -
Jimmie Foxx RARE Original Wheaties Box cover from 1938
Jimmie Foxx RARE Original Wheaties Box cover from 1938 1938 Wheaties cereal box... Jimmie Foxx RARE Original Wheaties Box cover from 1938 1938 Wheaties cereal box... -
Civil War Discharge & Full Plate Tintype Photo 9/8/1862 GIles A
Civil War Discharge & Full Plate Tin Type Photo 9/8/1862 Civil War discharg... Civil War Discharge & Full Plate Tin Type Photo 9/8/1862 Civil War discharg... -
Who Done It, 1942 Abbott & Costello Original Still Photo
"Who Done It", 1942 Original Still Photo Starring Abbott & Coste... "Who Done It", 1942 Original Still Photo Starring Abbott & Coste... -
Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman original still photo, 1943
Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman (Universal, 1943) Starring Lon Chaney & B... Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman (Universal, 1943) Starring Lon Chaney & B... -
Three Stooges Original Vintage 8x10" Still Holding Court
Three Stooges Original Vintage 8x10" Still "Holding Court" This... Three Stooges Original Vintage 8x10" Still "Holding Court" This... -
Who Done It, 1943 Abbott & Costello Original Vintage still photo
Abbott & Costello in "Who Done It", 1943 Original Vintage photo/wi... Abbott & Costello in "Who Done It", 1943 Original Vintage photo/wi... -
Marx Brothers Vintage still photo, "Room Service", 1933
1933 Groucho MARX BROS Vintage ROOM SERVICE Photo Subject: In this vintage or... 1933 Groucho MARX BROS Vintage ROOM SERVICE Photo Subject: In this vintage or... -
Rudolph Valentino RARE Vintage Photo Collection
Rudolph Valentino Vintage Original Photo/Still Collection Memorabilia ... Rudolph Valentino Vintage Original Photo/Still Collection Memorabilia ... -
Three Stooges Idle Roomers 1941 Oriignal Columbia Still
Three Stooges in "Idle Roomers" 1941 Original Vintage Still Photo A ... Three Stooges in "Idle Roomers" 1941 Original Vintage Still Photo A ... -
Lon Chaney Sr "Unholy Three" 1930 original still photo
Lon Chaney Sr "Unholy Three" 1930 original 8x10" still photo Bea... Lon Chaney Sr "Unholy Three" 1930 original 8x10" still photo Bea... -
Walt Disney Vintage Photo, 1943, Salados Amigos
Walt Disney Original Vintage Photo, 1943 "Salados Amigos" Oriignal Di... Walt Disney Original Vintage Photo, 1943 "Salados Amigos" Oriignal Di... -
Howard Hughes – Original Historic Wire Service photo 1938
Howard Hughes – Original Historic Wire Service photo 1938 "With Mayo... Howard Hughes – Original Historic Wire Service photo 1938 "With Mayo...
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
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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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