WHAT: โVernacular photosโ is a catchphrase for collectible photos taken by lesser known photographers, both amateur and professional. These random photos are prized because they provide peeks into daily life when shot.
MORE: An oversize albumen print portrait of an American fire chief circa 1880 that sold for $5,250 recently at Swann Galleries in New York is a perfect example of what collectors seek in vernacular photos. Details such as clothing, period hairstyle, facial hair and the fire helmet illustrate a moment in time. Any collector of firefighting memorabilia would be thrilled to have it.
HOT TIP: Dealers have noted an uptick in requests for old photos. Collectors pour through albums and loose individual photos.
SMART COLLECTORS KNOW: Automobilia collectors usually seek shots of old cars, perhaps early gas stations, or related product displays. A tin toy fan looks for photos of children posing with a prize robot or stamped car, and a railroad collector looks for shots of certain lines or switches, etc.
BOTTOM LINE: Donโt expect to get rich selling off loose photos that Aunt Blanche left in a drawer. We found thousands posted on eBay, with completed sales ranging from $5 for a smiling 1940s girl wearing a bandana to $50 and more for old views of specific railroad lines or city sites.
