My opinion on the matter-- re: type 1, generation 1 debate

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by thekingofclout

Also, it should be noted that Marshall & Henry created the "TYPE" system long before they were brought on board at PSA, so it's out of line for anyone to suggest that said system was simply created by the TPG Companies to make more money.

Of course it was created to make more money, Jimmy. Henry sells photos, does he not? He's far from a disinterested party.

In general, a photo's printing cannot (regardless of what Henry may or may not say) be dated to within two years of its taking. Ask any professional photo archivist.

You have a remarkable collection of old photos, Jimmy. You really don't need an outside party--or a dealer--certifying that they belong at the top of a totally bogus classification scheme to validate your collection's worth or beauty.

[Leon]

As a novice I have handled maybe a few hundred vintage photos in all. That being said it seems quite obvious to this novice, due to emulsion (correct term?) and wear, when the paper was made that the negatives were printed on, and even an approximate period of the photo mfg date. I guess we sometimes forget common sense? Of course there could be old paper that made the photos from negatives today, but I can't believe the wear would look the same?

[Exhibitman]

I am completely on board with the differentiation between generations of photographs. However, I have a very hard time believing that anyone can pin down the date of issue of an original photo with sufficient clarity to say it was issued within two years of the photo being taken. Sure, if the thing is signed and dated by the subject I guess you could set a date, or if there is a stamp on the back listing when it was received or run in the newspaper, but otherwise is just speculation that I don't think justifies a substantial pricing differential, which is really all we are talking about when it comes to the distinction.

As an aside, one of the things I like about collecting postcards that are postally
used is that the dating is pretty solid on them.

[HRBAKER]

Good points Adam. If you are going to use such a "window" not only do you have to know whent he print was made but also when the photo was taken.

[Hankphenom]

As a dealer in old photos, I use the Yee system mostly as a way to describe and talk about them, and I find it very useful in that regard. Obviously, the money's in Type Is, everything else is distinctly secondary in terms of collectibility. But as they say in card circles, "buy the card, not the slab," I treat photos the same way and make my own judgments about the vintage of a photograph.
Hank Thomas