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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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... -
Franklin Roosevelt – Original Historic Wire Service photo 1938
Franklin Roosevelt – Original Historic Wire Service photo 1938 "Addresse... Franklin Roosevelt – Original Historic Wire Service photo 1938 "Addresse... -
Jean Harlow - Original Historic Wire Service photo 1936
Jean Harlow - Original Historic Wire Service photo 1936 "Wife vs Secretar... Jean Harlow - Original Historic Wire Service photo 1936 "Wife vs Secretar... -
Three Stooges - Original still photo, 1937, " Back To The Woods"
Three Stooges Original Vintage Columbia Still Photo " Back To The Woods&qu... Three Stooges Original Vintage Columbia Still Photo " Back To The Woods&qu... -
Three Stooges - Original still photo, 1945, "Body Meets Body"-2
Three Stooges Original Vintage Columbia Still Photo " If a Body Meets a Bo... Three Stooges Original Vintage Columbia Still Photo " If a Body Meets a Bo... -
Three Stooges - Vintage 1941 Original Columbia Photo -2
Three Stooges Original Vintage Columbia 8x10” Still Photo Beautiful Vinta... Three Stooges Original Vintage Columbia 8x10” Still Photo Beautiful Vinta... -
House of Frankenstein Starring Lon Chaney 1944
"House of Frankenstein", 1944 Original Vintage Photo Starring Lon Cha... "House of Frankenstein", 1944 Original Vintage Photo Starring Lon Cha... -
Disney Mickey Mouse "Streamboat Willie" Photo 1955
Mickey Mouse in the 1928 landmark film, "Streamboat Willie" A VINTA... Mickey Mouse in the 1928 landmark film, "Streamboat Willie" A VINTA... -
Tarzan and His Mate 1933 wire/press service photo, filming
Oversized - 1933 Vintage, on-set “Tarzan and His Mate” photo captur... Oversized - 1933 Vintage, on-set “Tarzan and His Mate” photo captur... -
John Dillinger photos death sweetheart press photo
John Dillinger death sweetheart press photo, 1934 Found on Dillinger after he w... John Dillinger death sweetheart press photo, 1934 Found on Dillinger after he w... -
Laurel & Hardy Original 1933 still photo - Devil's Brother 2
The Devil's Brother, 1933 Original Vintage Photo Still (8x10") Starring St... The Devil's Brother, 1933 Original Vintage Photo Still (8x10") Starring St... -
John Dillinger - Original Morgue Scene Wire Service Photo
John Dillinger Original Morgue Scene Wire Service Photo An Incredible Historic... John Dillinger Original Morgue Scene Wire Service Photo An Incredible Historic... -
Albert Einstein Original Wire Service Photo
Albert Einstein Original Wire Service Photo Very Scarce ORIGINAL Vintage 1935 ... Albert Einstein Original Wire Service Photo Very Scarce ORIGINAL Vintage 1935 ... -
Civil War Tintype 1/4 plate brass & long sword!
Civil War Tintype Great image with sword & brass buttons Terrific and orig... Civil War Tintype Great image with sword & brass buttons Terrific and orig... -
Civil War soldier 1/4 Plate Tin Type sitting uniform
Civil War Soldier 1/4 Plate tin type Nice civil war solider tin type photo. Cas... Civil War Soldier 1/4 Plate tin type Nice civil war solider tin type photo. Cas... -
John Dillinger photos - Original Death Scene Wire Service Photo
John Dillinger 1934 Photo "The Face of Death" UNBELIEVABLE Original p... John Dillinger 1934 Photo "The Face of Death" UNBELIEVABLE Original p... -
John Dillinger photos - Original Death Scene Wire Service Photo1
John Dillinger 1934 Dead Corpse Original Wire Service Photo UNBELIEVABLE Origin... John Dillinger 1934 Dead Corpse Original Wire Service Photo UNBELIEVABLE Origin... -
Hunchback of Notre Dame - Lon Chaney, 1923, vintage still photo
Carl Laemmle's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", 1923 Original vintage s... Carl Laemmle's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", 1923 Original vintage s... -
Munsters Press Release photo 1965
"Munsters", 1965 Original Press Release Silver Gelatin photo The fir... "Munsters", 1965 Original Press Release Silver Gelatin photo The fir... -
George Reeves vintage photo as Director
George Reeves Vintage Silver Gelatin Press Release photo, 1958 Rare photo of ... George Reeves Vintage Silver Gelatin Press Release photo, 1958 Rare photo of ... -
George Reeves vintage photo, rehearsing 1950
George Reeves vintage photo, rehearsing 1950 Rare photo of a young and strikin... George Reeves vintage photo, rehearsing 1950 Rare photo of a young and strikin... -
Muhammad Ali Joe Frazier Press Release photo, 1971
Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier Original Press Release photo, 1971 A great origin... Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier Original Press Release photo, 1971 A great origin... -
Lost in Space, Vintage Press Release photo 1966
"Lost in Space" Press Release photo, 1965 A rare "Lost in Spac... "Lost in Space" Press Release photo, 1965 A rare "Lost in Spac... -
Munsters, vintage photo still set of eight, 1966
Munster Go Home, 1966 Set of Eight Original Vintage Stills Very rare set of vi... Munster Go Home, 1966 Set of Eight Original Vintage Stills Very rare set of vi... -
Wolf Man Original Vintage Still Photo 1941
"Wolf Man", 1941 Original Vintage Still Photo (8x10") Starring ... "Wolf Man", 1941 Original Vintage Still Photo (8x10") Starring ... -
Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman original vintage photo still
Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman (Universal, 1943) Starring Lon Chaney & Bela... Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman (Universal, 1943) Starring Lon Chaney & Bela... -
Raven Original Vintage Photos Stills Karloff-Lugosi #1
"The Raven", 1935 Original Photo Still Starring Boris Karloff & B... "The Raven", 1935 Original Photo Still Starring Boris Karloff & B... -
Raven Original Vintage Photos Stills Karloff-Lugosi #4-2
"The Raven", 1935 Original Photo Stills (2) Starring Boris Karloff &... "The Raven", 1935 Original Photo Stills (2) Starring Boris Karloff &... -
Bela Lugosi Dracula Original Vintage photo still, 1931
"Dracula" - Bela Lugosi Original Vintage Photo Still 1931 Dracula (Un... "Dracula" - Bela Lugosi Original Vintage Photo Still 1931 Dracula (Un... -
Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho studio photo still hotel checkin
Psycho, 1960 Original Vintage Photo Still A very rare, original studio still ph... Psycho, 1960 Original Vintage Photo Still A very rare, original studio still ph... -
Abbott & Costello Hold That Ghost Original photo 1941 - 2
Abbott & Costello in "Hold That Ghost", 1941 Original Vintage 8x1... Abbott & Costello in "Hold That Ghost", 1941 Original Vintage 8x1... -
It's a Wonderful Life, Oriignal still photo, Stewart/Reed, 1946
"It's a Wonderful Life" Original still photo, 1946 Starring James Ste... "It's a Wonderful Life" Original still photo, 1946 Starring James Ste... -
John Dillinger photos - Original wire historical photo, 1934
John Dillinger Original Vintage Wire Photo (March 5,1934) Amazing, rare origin... John Dillinger Original Vintage Wire Photo (March 5,1934) Amazing, rare origin... -
John Wayne - three vintage photos West of the Divide, 1934
John Wayne in "West of the Divide" Three Vintage Original Photos, 19... John Wayne in "West of the Divide" Three Vintage Original Photos, 19... -
Bela Lugosi Dracula Original Vintage photo still, great scene
"Dracula", 1931 Original Photo Still Starring Bela Lugosi Fantasic or... "Dracula", 1931 Original Photo Still Starring Bela Lugosi Fantasic or... -
Laurel & Hardy Original 1933 still photo - Devil's Brother
The Devil's Brother, 1933 Original Vintage Photo Still (8x10") Starring St... The Devil's Brother, 1933 Original Vintage Photo Still (8x10") Starring St... -
Frankenstein Original 1931 Still Photo - AMAZING!
Frankenstein Original 1931 Still Photo Starring Boris Karloff Amazing and extr... Frankenstein Original 1931 Still Photo Starring Boris Karloff Amazing and extr... -
Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo Original still Photo 1958 3
Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo", 1958 Original Vintage Still Photo ... Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo", 1958 Original Vintage Still Photo ... -
Al Capone - Most Historic Photo ever taken ! WOW!
FAMOUS 1932 Original Photo AL CAPONE Heads to Prison ! Public Enemy #1 THE ... FAMOUS 1932 Original Photo AL CAPONE Heads to Prison ! Public Enemy #1 THE ... -
Hustler - Paul Newman Mosconi production photo, 1961
"The Hustler", 1961 Original Vintage Production Movie Still Photo St... "The Hustler", 1961 Original Vintage Production Movie Still Photo St... -
Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein Original Still Wolfman
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, 1948 Original Vintage Still (8x10")... Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, 1948 Original Vintage Still (8x10")... -
Frank Sinatra SUPERB 1971 Original Ali-Frazier Fight photo
SUPERB 1971 Original Photo FRANK SINATRA Original Photo from Ali-Frazier Fight ... SUPERB 1971 Original Photo FRANK SINATRA Original Photo from Ali-Frazier Fight ... -
Hindenburg - Historic Photo of burning Hindenburg, 1937
Hindenburg Original News Wire/Press release Photo (8x10") Original Period ... Hindenburg Original News Wire/Press release Photo (8x10") Original Period ... -
BABE RUTH Red Sox WORLD SERIES Original Photo 1918
1918 Original Photo BABE RUTH Red Sox WORLD SERIES Extremely scarce photo from ... 1918 Original Photo BABE RUTH Red Sox WORLD SERIES Extremely scarce photo from ... -
LOU GEHRIG Hitting at the Plate Photo, DiMaggio, 1936
Original Photo LOU GEHRIG Hitting at the Plate, 1936 If this is not a true piec... Original Photo LOU GEHRIG Hitting at the Plate, 1936 If this is not a true piec... -
Little Rascals 1932 Original Photo, WOW!
1932 Original Photo LITTLE RASCALS / OUR GANG Spanky ! You will be HARD PRES... 1932 Original Photo LITTLE RASCALS / OUR GANG Spanky ! You will be HARD PRES... -
Elvis Presley 1956 Gas Station Fight Wire Photo
Elvis Presley 1956 Gas Station Fight Wire Photo (7x9") Amazing Rare Ori... Elvis Presley 1956 Gas Station Fight Wire Photo (7x9") Amazing Rare Ori... -
John Wayne, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, vintage photo still 1949
John Wayne - "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon", 1949 Original Vintage Silve... John Wayne - "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon", 1949 Original Vintage Silve... -
Charlie Chaplin Vintage still photo from "Sunnyside" 1917
"Sunnyside", 1917 Original Vintage Still Photo Starring Charlie Chap... "Sunnyside", 1917 Original Vintage Still Photo Starring Charlie Chap... -
Wizard of Oz RARE Original 1939 Still Photo field lillies
"The Wizard of Oz", 1939 Original Vintage 8x10" Still Photos ... "The Wizard of Oz", 1939 Original Vintage 8x10" Still Photos ... -
Wizard of Oz RARE Original 1939 Still Photo tinman dance
"The Wizard of Oz", 1939 Original Vintage 8x10" Still Photos ... "The Wizard of Oz", 1939 Original Vintage 8x10" Still Photos ... -
Freaks Vintage Still Photo 1932 group portrait
"Freaks", 1932 Original Vintage Still Photo Incredible high contras... "Freaks", 1932 Original Vintage Still Photo Incredible high contras... -
Freaks Vintage Still Photo 1932 group portrait table
"Freaks", 1932 Original Vintage Still Photo Incredible high contras... "Freaks", 1932 Original Vintage Still Photo Incredible high contras... -
BABE RUTH 1942 Original Photo PRIDE of the YANKEES
1942 Original Photo BABE RUTH on the set PRIDE of the YANKEES Lights ... Camer... 1942 Original Photo BABE RUTH on the set PRIDE of the YANKEES Lights ... Camer... -
MARK TWAIN at his House VERY RARE 1907 Original Photo
VERY RARE 1907 Original Photo MARK TWAIN at his House An Extremely RARE, perio... VERY RARE 1907 Original Photo MARK TWAIN at his House An Extremely RARE, perio... -
Pride of the Yankees, Gary Cooper still photo 1949 Lou Falls
"The Pride of the Yankees", 1949 Original Vintage Promotional Photo ... "The Pride of the Yankees", 1949 Original Vintage Promotional Photo ...
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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