Regimental photographs

[KevinS]

Greetings all. As a novice to collecting, I would like to ask your opinion of what I have seen called regimental photographs or unit photographs. I have found several that I believe fall into this catagory of photo that I am considering purchasing. It is my understanding that these were offered to soldiers for purchase and that many have a number on their obverse. Is this correct?

Were these photographs as widely copied and distributed as press photographs? I have a very small collection of photos, badges, and medals, so my experience is limited with these pictures. As collectors, how do you feel about the unit photographs as far as collecting purposes? Do you consider them worthy additions to your collections?

I used the search option for regimental photographs and unit photographs and did not really find answers to these questions. If I'm asking common questions, I apologize...

Thanks in advance for your opinions!

Kevin

[Hank C.]

HI Kevin,
Just in general terms, I know what you're talking about. I like the unit photos, my biggest pet peeve with them is usually there's no mention of who, when, or where. Maybe a couple of guys will be recognizable if they're wearing specific awards, but mostly they are big anonymous group photos.

But, I do like them. I've had a couple, and still have one. But no idea what unit or when, other than early war and probably France.

best,
Hank

[R MICHAEL]

I passed up a nice early Heer album that was ID'd and had the unit photo as well as the large negative for the photo. Seeing that it, is a good possibility that copies were made availble.

all the best. Mike

[Simon O.]

What you think of 'unit' photos is completely dependent upon what and why you collect photos. If every one has to be unique and never seen before then they won't be of much interest. If you collect a particular subject then it's the content that matters, not necessarily how many prints were ever made. In an album i'd say it's normal to find at least some unit or 'copied from comrades' photos, it adds to the story the album's telling IMO.

Some unit photos may be marked or stamped, many are not. I have two albums to different soldiers of the same company of the same regiment, the interesting thing is that both albums complement and enhance each other, giving an overall biger picture of the unit and it's history even though there is some overlap with the same unit photos appearing in both.

[Akira Takiguchi]

Simon summerizes what I have in mind - but it doesn't apply to everyone who collects photographs.

Basically it boils down to the question "why do you collect photographs?" Until you know why, there is no single answer I guess.

Anyway, here is the list of "unit" photos from Pz.A.A.27 (17.Panzer-Division).

[Akira Takiguchi]

And the photo #1...

[Akira Takiguchi]

Sometimes the captions on the photo albums seem to rely heavily on such "photo listing" - instead of soldier's memory.

[KevinS]

Basically it boils down to the question "why do you collect photographs?" Until you know why, there is no single answer I guess.

Well said, Sir! In the end, that is what really matters isn't it? The pictures that caught my interest were of a subject matter that I am really interested having pictures of, so they are quite nice for my new collection.

My thanks to all for their insightful replies; it is appreciated!

Kevin