Silver Gelatin Prints Appraisal

Vintage WWII-Era Aviation Silver Gelatin Photography Collection

This collection consists of approximately twelve individual black-and-white photographs featuring various World War II-era military aircraft. The images appear to be silver gelatin prints on photographic paper, characterized by a classic monochromatic tonal range and a thin white border. The subjects captured include iconic aircraft such as the Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, and multi-engine bombers like the B-25 Mitchell and Handley Page Halifax, shown in both side-profile and banking maneuvers. These photographs are likely 4x6 or 3x5 inches in size, common for personal snapshots or field recordings during the 1940s. The condition of the prints shows some visible curling at the edges and slight foxing or silver mirroring typical of vintage paper stored in non-archival environments. There is notable corner wear on several items, and the paper stock suggests a production date between 1940 and 1950. The clarity of the silhouettes indicates these may have been used as recognition cards for military training or are personal mementos from a serviceman. While no specific maker's marks are visible on the front, the uniform style and varying sky backgrounds suggest they were taken by an aviation enthusiast or official military photographer during the mid-20th century.