Historic Photography: Treasures in the Bottom Drawer

Author: Frank Campbell

There's a new wave of interest in historic photography. Auction prices have surged recently for old photographs, but not any old photographs. Naturally enough, Australasian subjects are the most sought after, but quality photographs of the 19th and early 20th century are generally in demand. At Leski Auctions last month for example, a fine album of German Empire New Guinea and Melanesian subjects sold for $4800 (all prices quoted are plus commission), well above the estimate. A collection of stereocards depicting Australian Boer War troops and also the visit to Melbourne of the US "Great White Fleet" in 1908 made $1850, three times the estimate. Two H.G.Ponting gravures of Captain Scott's ill-fated Antarctic expedition made $525 each. The question, as always, is how to separate the valuable photos from the also-rans which should stay in your bottom drawer.
Firstly, what is "historic"? Age isn't the be-all and end-all. An important event photographed in (say) 1970 may be of value, whereas a routine carte de visite of an unidentified sitter dating from 1880 will generate little interest. Likewise snaps of the 1920s of the family smiling cheesily on the lawn. As a rule, any event or activity or object which expresses its time is likely to have historic and therefore financial merit. A horse and cart, a car or truck, train or ship will always be worth consideration. Factory and farm, townscape, house interiors, and landscape all have potential. The subject, therefore, is a necessary but not sufficient condition for defining value.

Secondly, condition is always crucial. Faded, foxed (stained by fungus) or battered photos will have to score heavily on other criteria to be worthwhile. An original Ned Kelly photograph could still be worth a packet even if in a very poor state.

Regionalism is important too. Topographical loyalty is reliable. Otherwise mundane scenes of country towns attract the attention of those with local associations.

Another factor to take into consideration is the size of the picture. Size matters. So does the reputation of the photographer.

Look out for sociological, ethnographic, military, sporting, political and industrial topics. Think social history. There is hidden virtue in the prosaic.

Stereographs, paired photos on card which give a spectacular 3D effect when viewed through a holder known as a stereoscope, are always popular.
Early photography is a favourite. Invented in 1839, the first few decades of photography were difficult and chemically hazardous. A variety of techniques developed, including ambrotypes, tin-types and Daguerreotypes. These early efforts are mostly studio portraits, but have a predictable auction value, especially if attractively cased.

The next Leski auction with a substantial photographic section will be held in early June. It includes for example an album of twenty large Tasmanian railway photographs by Beattie of Hobart, taken in 1900. There's also a fine album of professional photos of the Cairns railway and Barron Gorge from the 1890s. Many other important railway photographs will be offered, as will a collection of Australian military photographs, including rare WWII photographs of Australian troops in Palestine and RAAF photos. Rare photos of the gloomy days before the fall of France in 1940, Churchill, a 16 year old Princess Elizabeth and several portraits by the acclaimed Cecil Beaton are also in the sale.

So check out that bottom drawer. It may be full of evocatively recorded history.
To arrange a free assessment of your photographs, phone Leski's on 9864 9999.

Auctions scheduled for June will feature some very exciting photographic lots.
Please check our auction calendar for the latest auction dates.