My partial photograph collection, so far.

[Justin P]

Don't think anyone has implied in the Thread, that All photos from Russia are Fake However there is a higher Risk when buying Photos from these places.

I find it really hard to believe that every single photograph coming out of Russia to be fake, as the Russians did take everything they could get their hands on.

And it does come out of Russian archives, then it would make sense to have Russian writing/stamps on the back.

I know there are plenty of fakes out there, but not all of them are fakes.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Thanks
Brian

[Paul D]

I find it really hard to believe that every single photograph coming out of Russia to be fake, as the Russians did take everything they could get their hands on.

And it does come out of Russian archives, then it would make sense to have Russian writing/stamps on the back.

I know there are plenty of fakes out there, but not all of them are fakes.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Thanks
Brian

Of course every photo coming from Russia / Ukraine is not a fake but unfortunately the ones with these types of markings on the rear are fakes !!

[blackheart0866]

Another pic that showed up today in the mail, Shows two SS crew sitting on a tank.

This one has some age to it, and looks like it has been taken out of a photo album.


The pic I've posted does not do it justice, but the one on the right, you can plainly see the SS runes, and the rank on the other side in the pic itself.


Thanks
Brian

[Woske]

.... And to say that there are not any postcard sized photos that are serrated is somewhat of a flase statement. If you would like to see some, im sure my collection under "early elite photo" in the photo threads will show a few...as I know i own luftwaffe pics this style....

If you read my post properly, you'll see that I did not state that there are not any postcard size photos with serrated edges. I actually said that straight edges in that size are more common, so there was no 'false statement.' I have an extremely large photo archive of my own, so I don't need to see any, but thanks for the offer.
Brian's portrait of Eicke is definitely a post-war repro. The original photograph was taken at FHQ by Walter Frentz and it was in colour. This particular image was not made available by Frentz in black and white.
Woske.

[bigmacglenn]

This topic is another great example how we as a Collector's Community can learn from eachother...Bravo everyone!

[Bill T]

Woske,
I was not trying to negatively contradict you....that was not my objective in my statement. However I have taken some extra time and contacted some of the people I know that deal in photography as a carreer. I am not saying it is the "original" copy of that particular photo. I was told that some of these are indeed "copies" but they are period copies. I was also told that the only way they would be "post-war repro" is if the "copier" themselves had printing paper from war-time period productions. It IS indeed possible, but unlikely. I fully understand your concern with the photographs as I myself noticed the "famous familiarity" of them. For you to say that they are most definitley post war without even holding or seeing them isnt right in my opinion. If I had not gone to the lengths that I have to check into these photos, I would not even go to the trouble in writing this. Unfortunately the sources selling these photos are calling them "original" photos only because they are printed on correct paper. I am aware that some producers simply place printing names such as Agfa Lupex on the rear of photos, but this is not the case in this situation. It is possible that they made copies of the originals during the war for educational or other purposes and now they are being sold today as "original period photos." IMO that is wrong to do, but I still think Brians photos are worth displaying and are one of a kind......as you most likely will not find theese photos on correct paper. Sorry if I offended you Woske, again that was not my intention. I went through my photo collection and found many many postcard sized serrated photos that are most definitely original period photos. ( I did notice that most are luftwaffe pics that size tho...which could just be a coincidence)??

[Paul D]

If you are happy that these Russian archive photos are original then continue to buy them , the problem may come when you try to sell them on as unfortunately most serious photo collectors wouldn't buy them as they are known to be faked.

[Bill T]

I myself will not buy ANY photos from Ukraine, Russia, Bulgaria, etc not only because of "fakes" but because they have a high rate of being """lost in the mail""" haha Luckily we have this site to help each other out....because everyone has bought a "dud" at one time or another. I appreciate all opinions and input by everyone. It makes the site interesting and teaches alot of useful information/tips.

[Bill T]

No, i only have 3 of these said photos.....and will not buy anyomore knowing what I was told by my friends. luckily i never bought one of the "high dollar" elite photos tho

and you STILL did not read my post. I never said that these were "original photos". I was told the paper is of period wartime production material and the photos were most likey made late-war. I will believe what my friend has told me because he is much more knowledgeable of photographs than I will ever be. But like I said, i will not buy any of these photos. I simply wanted to share my findings and you can take what you will from it or not at all. I strongly respect your opinion though...but I personally would not have posted unless I had one in my hand, and I do.
And you most certainly are correct....most collectors of photographs are completey turned off if they see any russian markings on the reverse side....or if they see famous images.

[Paul D]

No, i only have 3 of these said photos.....and will not buy anyomore knowing what I was told by my friends. luckily i never bought one of the "high dollar" elite photos tho

and you STILL did not read my post. I never said that these were "original photos". I was told the paper is of period wartime production material and the photos were most likey made late-war. I will believe what my friend has told me because he is much more knowledgeable of photographs than I will ever be. But like I said, i will not buy any of these photos. I simply wanted to share my findings and you can take what you will from it or not at all.

I appreciate your posts re the paper but many photo collcetors will say that the paper they are produced on is not period either but it's all about opnions at the end of the day !!