Is there a market for late 1800s - early 1900s photographs?

Question

I have a huge suitcase full of old photographs, and some family-tree-type stuff. The bloodline traces back to John C Fremont - but of course no photos of him that I know of.

Is there a market for these kinds of photos? Mostly family, not so much places or cars or war. Some old letters, too.

Where/how do you sell this stuff?

Answer 1

I came into a handful of old photos too.  Fortunately, some had names on the back... I actually found some of the remaining family and they were delighted to get the photos.  I just mailed them to one of the family.  The name was a pretty rare one, so the search was easy.

Another thing you can do is put them on Deadfred.  People look there all the time for pictures of the family.

Answer 2

You can try antique stores in your area. You might want to check out http://deadfred.com/, they have alot of pics on their site posted for those who may be interested.

Answer 3

I've seen photographs of a similar age with unidentified subjects for sale at antique stores. They have a certain charm.

In your place, I'd keep the ones I can identify as part of my family and only sell the others.

Answer 4

try Ebay or a museum from that area...........but why sell them....what wonder history you have.  Your so lucky!!

Answer 5

Maybe you are posting this in the wrong category?  Genealogy is about preserving family history.  If your plan is to take a suitcase of family history and separate it to make $$$$ on it, I can't imagine serious genealogists finding that a positive thing.

On the other hand, perhaps, this is not your own family's history?  But, I have "met" people on the internet who purchase old family Bibles just to research the family and re-connect the Bible with a present-day family member.

There is even a site called "Dead Fred" which tries to reconnect old photos with family members.  In fact some members of this group might want to check there for photos. http://www.deadfred.com

I have purchased old photos in small shops to use in my classroom.  The cost was only a dollar or two and some were tin types or on glass.

Whenever I look at those photos, I wonder who they were and wish I had more information to find them a proper home.