Photos Of The 1860s

Some old photos are more valuable to collectors if they show toys, uniforms or crazy hairstyles. Find out what to look for as CBS News Saturday Morning continues its series with collectibles expert Tony Hyman.

First there were carte de visites, the 1860's photos for the masses that became the pop "collectibles" of their time. In the 1870's and 1880's, they were replaced by larger images called cabinet photos.

Card shops switched formats immediately, offering cabinet photos of curiosities and celebrities of the day. But by the 1880's, collecting black and white photos was passe. They were replaced by a rage for colorful, collectible tobacco cards.

Photo albums became filled with family and friends. When you check out any album, look for people in uniform. Those photos could be worth $15 to $300.

Also look for pictures of children and their toys, which could be worth between $30 and $60.

And don't forget those photos of "crazy uncles with adventurous hairstyles," said Hyman. They could bring $1 to $5.

Recent sales include a commercial gag-shot at $850 and a rare horizontal of a western cigar salesman at $1,700.

For information on cabinet photos, Hyman recommends contacting Tom Harris. His email address is saltprint@mindspring.com or go to Tony Hyman's Web site for more information on these and other collectibles.

Previous CBS News Saturday Morning segments are available in the collectibles archive.

If you think you have a collectible worth a lot of cash, send an email to: sat@cbsnews.com. Put "What's it Worth?" in the subject line, or write to: "What's it Worth?" CBS News Saturday Morning, 514 West 57th Street, 6th floor, New York, New York 10019.

Please note that because of the volume of mail received, Saturday Morning can't respond to all requests, but some will be selected and featured on the show in the near future.

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