Posted By:
davidcyclebackThe Ted Williams is not first generation/original, but it was made in the year
the photo was shot (1957). When there's an 'in the image' caption like that,
the photo is as old as the date in the caption, but the photo is not first
generation. The original photo would literally have the paper caption pasted
across the photo, and the resulting wirephoto copy of it will only have an image
of the caption rather than the physical caption. You can find photos with
the physical caption still pasted on.
Most Pre-1930 news service photos are first generation, as the wirephoto
process, which duplicates images, wasn't around. If it isn't first generation,
the image will likely be of at least somewhat lesser quality.
A key for original versus later generation or wirephotocopy, is that the
original will have the clearest image, so will be aesthetically most pleasing.
If the wirephoto is of a special event, ala Roger Maris' 61st home run, the
wirephoto will can have high value as it is a historical artifact.