My life-long fascination with old photos has inspired me to procure a vast collection that has spanned many years. My preference is varied, but I am specifically intrigued by anything to do with history - especially famous people - royalty, musicians, movie stars.
I only collect original photos - which have monetary value. Prints or copies are completely worthless.
I used to have hundreds (probably more) of photographs in my collection - but it dwindled over the years. I sold an enormous amount of them when I lived in Texas. Many more were "lost" or stolen when I moved to Tennessee.
Recently I was (pleasantly) surprised when I found a huge stash of antique photos in an old trunk - many of which I had completely forgotten about.
It's difficult to choose favorites. Here are a few hodgepodge samples
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"Blackie" and "Tiger"
these are two cats that belonged to President Calvin Coolidge. The photo is dated October, 1923.
Charles Lindberg and Amelia Earhart receiving medals for their aviation feats, presented by Charles Davila, Rumanian Minister to the U.S.
Lindberg and Spirit of St. Louis
Prince Philip and Elizabeth (before she was Queen) and their children Charles and Anne
I've never had any interest in Benito Mussolini whatsoever, but I got a series of his photos at auction for a very reasonable price. This is the Italian dictator with his son, dated 1933.
King George the Fifth and Queen Mary in 1917. I've always thought she looked more like a man than he did.
I have numerous photos of Queen Victoria. This one was taken in 1893.
A rare photo of composer Johann Strauss. It's not dated, but my guess is around 1870.
The 1863 wedding of midgets Tom Thumb (Charles Stratton) and Lavinia Warren, whose union was relentlessly promoted by P.T. Barnum. This is an original photo by Matthew Brady.
