large collection of old photographs

[spun0utsugarstuff]

I have been collecting old photographs for several years now, ive got a whole heavy box full, alot of them appear to be from the early 1900s out west like california, washington, oregon, etc. theres alot of really old cars too like from the early 30s to the late 50s/early60s. its quite a wide array of subject matter but there all very quality pictures taken by someone who was a professional photographer. theres also some victorian era boarded pictures too. theyre just beautiful. ive been talking to some people local to my area that are interested in purchading them, but they come out with these super low offers like $20 for the whole box. best offer i've had is 50. im just wondering what to do. i know i could post each individual picture on ebay listings and get more than that, but is the there really a market for them? 

[chevymontecarlo88]

There is a market for them but many times it depends on the subject matter. Do a little research on eBay to see what is currently available (listed) and what has sold in the past. (completed listings) It may make more sense to list them in lots with similar subject matter. (landscape, location, automobiles, portraits or era specific) 

-Good luck

[jameswithwings]

The short answer is yes. There is a market for almost anything but especially old photographs. Depending on the types of subjects the photos depict some of them could bring very good money. Search for comps first to get an idea of value. You could also sell them in lots if that's easier. Also, there are numerous Facebook groups that are buy/sell for old photos (postcards too). 

[c*me*4*lefton*info]

Here is what I would do. It requires and involves some effort and time but I suspect you will be pleased with the reward when sold.

First thing is to sort them by age. Pull out the older and oldest ones - and deal with them later. There will likely be fewer of them, and by listing them last (on ebay for example) you will have built an attentive audience of buyers by the time they are sold.

If some of the photos are color and some are black and white, then sort accordingly.  Set the colored ones aside as there are likely fewer of them.

Another way to sort is by size. If the photographer was a pro then chances are the larger ones are images THEY liked best, a clue to  you which may be more valuable (if you value the photographers expertise). 

Take the black&whites and sort them into various categories. Categories such as city or state  location, occupational (showing people at work), time period, landscapes (by state), landmarks, travel or tourist photos, portraits, etc - you can probably think of categories specific to your collection that work for you (old west could include  cowboys and indians, horses, wagons, farm for examples.

You don't have to do this all at one time. Enjoy the ride. Sounds like you might have an elephant of a collection. And the only way I know to eat an elephant - is one bite at a time. Perhaps one of the replys here can offer you that first bite...  🙂

[roccotacodad54]

   What other have already said. Plus I am aware that people on the west coast like old photos of how main street, stores, schools even gas stations looked in their town in days past.

   I have some old pics of dams under construction along the Columbia river (dad worked on them) and the local Historical Society showed interest.........for free of course.