[Johnphotoman]

Type 1,2,3,4 photos versus Period issues photos!

Photographs are complex, and have many layers or subtle details that require careful consideration to fully understand them, they can't simply be defined by a type system. A number system to define a photograph is No use on limited editions print photos or one of a kind.

Unless there is a date or stamping on the backs of photos, how can you tell me how long between when the negative was made and the print of the photo. I am sure on some photos this can be done, but there are many more no one can say how long between the original negative being developed and when the print was made.

Not to mention some dates and stampings are not accurate. Take a photo that was developed right after the negative was made, say 1940, but never used… but then that photo was used for some project in the 1960, the date stampings would be 1960s. In most cases this would be a type 2, but the truth is it would be a type 1. I could be wrong about that, tell me if the scenario I pose is correct.

Let me pose a scenario on the photos I have. Most professional photo “experts” in baseball memorabilia I have talked to over the years have said, the photos are not worth much and there is not much interest in collecting them. Now get this because of the names on the photos. Most of these “experts” did not even consider the age of the photographs but what type they thought they would be classified as.

I have been told because of the names on the photos and writing on them, they would be classified as a type 3 or 4, and that there is not a big market for them. But each one said they would take them off my hands. Let me be clear, I have come across some damn good experts who put me on the right path.

Now we did discuss this a bit, but not in detail. I would always ask, why is that? The answer went something like this: it’s how the names were put on the photos. I do agree that in most cases the process used to put the names or writing on many photos makes them a type 3 or 4. But the truth is you can not put every photo with names or writing on them under the umbrella of type 3 or 4.

If I have my facts right, This would be the process for type 3 and 4. In photography, type 3" and "4" refer to the generation of a photograph. From a negative.

A type 3 being a second-generation print developed from a duplicate negative of the original negative, the duplicate negative is then used to make the print with the name on the photo.

Type 4 being a second or later generation print from a duplicate print or original, which does not include the original negative. A new negative is made from the old print and then a duplicate negative is made to make a new print with the name on the photo.

Ok, but a photo can have the name or writing on it and still be a type 1 or type 2. In this case the original negative is used to make the print with the name on the photo. If this is done within 2 years it is a type 1 and if it is done after 2 years it is a type 2.

In the case of the photos I have with the names on them, no one can say with absolute certainty what process was used in producing the photos I have. There is a lot of speculation and theory on which process was used. You may have an opinion on the facts and I have mine. Your best guess is as good as mine.

PSA can not give a type on the photos I have, at best they should come back unclassified, but they should be able to pin pin the issues date. Thereby give a period when they were issued. This would be more helpful than to just give the photos a type of 3 or 4 classification that may not be accurate. John.