Vintage Photography Collecting

[Grey Ghost]

I've been involved in all things Civil War for 30 yrs. Reenactor, metal detecting, buying/selling war relics, visiting battlefields, etc...it has spurred an interest in possible early photography collecting with me now. I've had my image struck a few times using period wet plate techniques and equipment. I've always known original images can fetch in the $10,000 range...and some in the $1 ranges. Clarity, subject, type, condition, etc...are how prices are determined. A couple of collectors gave me good lessons at the CW show this w/e. How to determine a fake and other things. So, just some FYI.

Daguerreotypes. 1840-1850 range. I saw them in the price range from $10 - into the hundreds. I may regret not buying the one for $10 LOL It was pretty clear and a bust shot of gentleman. I also was interested in a larger size of a woman in the $30 range. Both were in original cases.

Ambrotypes. Usually on purple glass or clear glass with the back painted black. More common during the CW.

Tintypes and CDVs. Very common during the CW. Cheaper to produce, etc..I found out a CDV that I have of a Union soldier is pretty sought after due to the particular photographic studio backmark. So, it isn't necessarily the subject, but the studio that makes this one a bit more valuable than average. Retail - $150 range.

So, it could be an inexpensive hobby for photography peeps. You can put a few dollars into your collection or go wild. I do like the military images the best...but, they always fetch more than civilian subjects.

I also have several original WW2 aviation photos. I never display them. I should probably sell them and use the money for some CW and dag. stuff.