I coast around eBay frequently to look at various topic areas that I collect. It gives me a chance to see how the market is doing and to take the temperature of collectors at various levels. Regular readers know that I have preached that historic photography is among a great unknown opportunity for collectors. I will freely admit that in saying this I open myself up for criticism insofar as there are certainly some areas of historic photography that are collected heavily and bring a strong price. For example, I love cartes-de-visite of Civil War soldiers. These small photos were taken often when soldiers enlisted, were bored in camp, got a promotion, etc. They are wonderful to collect, but, man oh day, I have been priced out of that market. I left bids recently on 20 different eBay photo auctions of Civil War cdvs. How many did I get? None! Now, I am not totally a bottom feeder here, but there must be a pool of collectors out there who are sniping on these items and driving the prices way up. I remember in recent times not paying more than $50 for a nice cdv. Today, you would be hard pressed to find an example in that range. It is a market that is hotter than ever. That said, I also enjoy images of grand Victorian hotels and houses, you know, the big, overblown, spectacular examples that dotted the landscape in the late 19th century. These come on the market with some frequency, mostly because they were, and still are, such icons of the landscape. If the house or hotel is known and there are local collectors, then the price is strong. If the property is not easily identifiable, then the photo is practically a give-away. Finally, I am always surprised how collectors will gravitate toward big names but miss fine works by lesser or unknown photographers. I have seen and purchased wonderful photographs that are well composed and taken by unknown artists for very little money. Like paintings, collectors want that signature rather than trusting their own eye to discern a good work from a bad one. This leads to interesting challenges, as we have all seen works by major artists and photographers that arent great. Therefore, what you are then paying for is a signature like any other autograph rather than a quality piece of art. I really do encourage collectors to seek out photography. It can support your other collecting habits (photographs of toys being used by children are great to have with the actual toy). I love historic trades and so am always looking for images of tools being used by craftsmen. So take some time to carefully go through that box lot of photographs at the next auction you attend. Or spend some time on eBay or in dealers shops looking for those cool historic photographs. In addition, dont forget about Real-Photo Postcards (RPPC) as they are another extension of collecting historic photographs. Born to collect should be the motto of Peter Seiberts family. Raised in Central Pennsylvania, Seibert has been collecting and writing about antiques for more than three decades. By day, he is a museum director and has worked in Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Virginia and New Mexico. In addition, he advises and consults with auction houses throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, particularly about American furniture and decorative arts. Seiberts writings include books on photography, American fraternal societies and paintings. He and his family are restoring a 1905 arts and crafts house filled with years worth antique treasures found in shops, co-ops and at auctions.