Photographs pretending to be antiques!

[kedo]

I think age (within reason) is fairly irrelevant. Antique = 100 years is an artificial distinction that moves once a year. I don't even know how people mange to date stuff when it was, very often, manufactured for long periods. Besides people can be just as interested in a picture from the 50's as one that's over 100 years old. Much better to distinguish on the basis of something fixed, preferably vintage/original versus reproduction.

[allsortsofephemera]

I think the best thing would be to have something like :
Original Photographs / Pre 1900 / 1900-1950 / 1951 to present
Reproduction or Copies of Photographs / Pre 1900 / 1900-1950 / 1951 to present
as some people are just interested in just a view of a certain date and other collect just originals.
I have photographs that are c.1950s copies of pre 1900s views so do you date them as 1900s or 1950s reproductions, it depends if you are dating the actual photograph or the date of the content of the picture, thats the problem

[JaBek1]

Frankly, when it comes to ART, I really don't think of it in terms of antique. Usually I'm more concerned with original works vs reproductions. Photographic prints made by the photographer or at his/her direction I would consider to be originals vs mechanically reproduced pieces.

From what I've seen in the Antique category, I would say that it could use some clearing out. While I've nothing against decorative items adorning anyone's home, I don't think that they should be offered for sale in the antiques category unless they are antique. I use the 100 year age as recognized by customs as a defining point as many avid collectors do.

Decorative items may be better served by a Home Decor sub-category in Home & Garden or many could be listed in collectibles under the sub-category that is appropriate even if one needs to be requested.

[deltadelta48]

I think the best thing would be to have something like :
Original Photographs / Pre 1900 / 1900-1950 / 1951 to present
Reproduction or Copies of Photographs / Pre 1900 / 1900-1950 / 1951 to present
as some people are just interested in just a view of a certain date and other collect just originals.
I have photographs that are c.1950s copies of pre 1900s views so do you date them as 1900s or 1950s reproductions, it depends if you are dating the actual photograph or the date of the content of the picture, thats the problem

This is what I was thinking. Two broad cats: original and reproduction/copy and sub cats as stated.

But how to tell the difference between the two? i.e. If framed it is a judgement call that can be guessed by cracking open the back, but few are dated so its just a guess by it looking "old". Is this going to be a can of worms?

[deltadelta48]

Frankly, when it comes to ART, I really don't think of it in terms of antique. Usually I'm more concerned with original works vs reproductions. Photographic prints made by the photographer or at his/her direction I would consider to be originals vs mechanically reproduced pieces.

From what I've seen in the Antique category, I would say that it could use some clearing out. While I've nothing against decorative items adorning anyone's home, I don't think that they should be offered for sale in the antiques category unless they are antique. I use the 100 year age as recognized by customs as a defining point as many avid collectors do.

Decorative items may be better served by a Home Decor sub-category in Home & Garden or many could be listed in collectibles under the sub-category that is appropriate even if one needs to be requested.

As an auctioneer during auction, do you note if original/repro or let buyer determine that? Just a judgement call as to age?

I do like the idea of moving all the repros out to Home decor as they are just decorative items. But that might be confusing to those who can't tell the difference anyway i.e. Its a Victorian lady photo made yesterday?

[JaBek1]

As an auctioneer during auction, do you note if original/repro or let buyer determine that? Just a judgement call as to age?

I do like the idea of moving all the repros out to Home decor as they are just decorative items. But that might be confusing to those who can't tell the difference anyway i.e. Its a Victorian lady photo made yesterday?

When selling at auction it is very important not to represent something to be something it is not. Therefore I'm careful not state that a work is that of a particular artist unless I have reason to believe that it is indeed by said artist.

If, for example, a unsigned landscape done in oils on canvas were to come up. I would describe as exactly that, an unsigned landscape. Of course, if some competent authority were to attribute the work to that of a known artist I would mention that it might be by that artist and cite the authority whose opinion it was. I often rely on people knowledgeable for expert opinions.

Frankly, I've never had the opportunity to actually auction off an old master or other well known work. Here again though I would rely experts to advise me concerning authenticity of the piece if I ever had the pleasure of dropping the hammer on say a Rembrandt.

Dating an item can be tricky and there are numerous ways used to attempt to fool a buyer. Provenance is important to show the history of a piece. Again, the advise of experts proves to be a valuable asset when preparing items for a sale. Research & preparation is often the most important part of the sale. Calling bids is the easy part.

Dennis