Photographs relatively new to being considered collectible

For a long time, the collecting establishment argued with itself over the subject of whether photographs were, or were not, "art." The argument went on for a long time, because photographs have been around quite a bit longer than most people might think.

In fact, modern photography is generally credited to Louis Daguerre, who introduced the "daguerreotype" process in France in 1839.

In today's What's It Worth? we value photos from two readers, in two formats. None is as old as a daguerrotype, but they are pretty old.

Q. These are family portraits, we think. Small and on metal, the little girl is holding her dolly and the younger boy doesn't seem to mind having his picture taken. Our family roots are in Virginia, but no one has been able to identify these children. Can you tell us anything at all? -- Sheila in Colfax

A. These are tintypes, a picture on a sheet of very thin iron coated to hold a photographic emulsion. Even though they are called tintypes, there is no tin. Generally dating from 1860-80, the process was still in use in the early 20th century.

Tintypes, many shot by street photographers or in makeshift studios at county fairs, came in many sizes. The largest was a "full plate," measuring 6.5 by 8.5 inches.

These are "ninth plate" size, about 2 by 2.5 inches, although each might have been trimmed, and the corners have been cut off, probably to fit in an album.

The argument about photographs as art wasn't settled until the late 20th century. Until the 1960s and '70s, photos had little value in the collector market and even less in the gallery and auction world. Unless, that is, they were by really famous photographers or were truly stunning images.

In fact, the Encyclopedia of Collectibles notes the first American auction devoted exclusively to photographs wasn't held until 1967. The market has skyrocketed since then, with Sotheby's auctioneers recently setting a world-record price for photographer Edward Steichen's The Pond - Moonlight, at $2.9 million.

The chance any of us will find a photo like that in a desk drawer or box of family images is very slim. But a rising tide lifts all ships, and thus photos, in general, have increased in value.

It wasn't long ago that you'd have a hard time giving away tintypes such as these. Now, appealing images, especially the girl, will fetch some money.

Not much, but some. The boy (there is damage) might sell for $5; the girl for $10 to $15. Much of her value is in the doll she holds, making this picture interesting to collectors of photography and dolls.

Q. I bought this photograph at a local antiques show this summer. The girl is so appealing and I have always loved wicker furniture. The picture is mounted on heavy cardboard and measures 5.5 by 4 inches. Stamped across the bottom -- and hard to read -- is "A. D. Fox and Son, Pomeroy and Asotin, Wash." Can you give me some details on the photographer? -- Julie in Kennewick

A. This is a cabinet card photograph, a picture format printed on paper that was popular from 1880 to 1920.

We will probably never know who the girl in the photo is, but we know some details about the photographer, his studio and when he was active.

Almeron D. Fox arrived in Pomeroy in about 1890 and within a year had a photography business in a small building at 857 Main St.

He operated the studio with his son Jerry until his death in 1925. Jerry began managing the business by 1906 and carried on after his Dad's passing, liquidating in the late 1920s.

Both men were well-known in the small community. Jerry was a talented musician who organized the Pomeroy Band and led his own Fox Orchestra. That group often played for silent films at the Seeley Theatre and Opera House, just three blocks from the studio.

Fox photographs are held in several institutions, including the University of Washington.

This charming example would be fairly priced between $10 and $15.

-- Terry K. Maurer, Tri-Cities personal property appraiser, is a member of the Certified Appraisers Guild of America. For possible use in a future column, direct questions on your antiques and collectibles to What's It Worth? by email tchwhatsitworth@gmail.com.

This story was originally published September 7, 2014 at 10:38 PM with the headline "Photographs relatively new to being considered collectible ."