The simplest thing to remember is Type 1 is original, and the other types are something different. The label also gives the date (date range-- ala 1960s) when the photo was made, so you should know how old is the photo.
In general, if you want to pick up a photo of Ty Cobb or whomever, you'll want to put your hard earned dollars on the Type !s-- the original. Makes sense. Originals are good, right? There's nothing wrong with picking up a type 2 or 3 or whatever, but obviously they won't be the originals nor valued as originals. For the non-type 1s, I would consider who made the photo (AP, George Brace stamp on back, etc), the quality/aesthetics and when it was made (should be listed on the label).
I'm not telling anyone what to do-- but in most any area of collecting, original is the most desirable type. Also, as the originals were made from the original negative, the image will usually be of superior quality. Copies and copy negatives and reprints usually are of lesser quality, often much lesser quality.
Last edited by drc; 07-10-2011 at 11:59 AM.
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