Maybe I should begin collecting Ethnographic pictures??

[Bill M]

Originally Posted by B.I

19thC Indian photography is extremely rare and sought after. There are a number of photographers known to have been in India at some pretty momentous times, and their images, if found, would fetch staggering prices, that would put to shame the two listed here.
A point of comparison, Howard Rickett is well known for being one of the top dealers in Arms in the world. He now deals (almost) exclusively in Indian photographs with his wife. I would think this transition was not just personal interest, but also finantially led.
He owns the published image of the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, on his death bed.
I dont think that one would come cheap.

Obviously this is is very specialized field. BUT I see a lot of this seller's 19th century pictures selling at his reserve of 10 GBP, many received no bids --- and many of these are title "ethnic" and "India."

I am still curious as to why these two particular pictures sold for so much. Far above his usual prices.

Does anybody know how to reach the buyers? Ebay blocks me from emailing them.

Certainly there is value in these pictures. This particular thread certainly points this out.

I would guess there is also a huge market for negatives and plates these images were made from. I like to look at old photos mostly to see the weapons and artifacts. It helps to establish dates.

[B.I]

Hi Bill,
The Sikh market is booming, with rival collectors boosting prices. These were well known images, and I doubt there was anything unsavoury about the auction. Religion enters into this field of study, so two potential buyers will bid quite fanatically. These werent Indian photos, but Sikh photos, and so entered a different price structure.
Try buying a khanda now for the same price as not-so-many years ago. The price on anything Sikh-related is crazy.

[Alan62]

Makes me wonder about these I have from the 1920's from Iraq and Egypt and other middle east countries. I have 3 albums full of course these are just snapshots. Too Bad they arent 3 albums full of Indian photos

[BluErf]

Hi Alan,

Would auction houses be of any help in the valuation of the photos?

[Alan62]

Originally Posted by BluErf

Hi Alan,

Would auction houses be of any help in the valuation of the photos?

Hi BluErf
I will have to check, I just recently bought them. I haven't really had time to check them out. There are 3 old photo albums with all kinds of interesting photos and postcards.They appearantly belonged to a british soldier in the 1920's.
I just posted a few for grins,like I said I wish they were worth what those albumen ones from india sold for. I could retire but they are likely worth about what I paid for them.
I will have to do some research on them this week.
Thanks for your suggestion

[Alan62]

Here is a good one, I brought home today