Copyright on old glass lantern slides

[Jack Field]

I have a number of old glass lantern slides. Some of the photos I think may have a commercial value as prints.
However, as I obviously didn't take the photos, where do I stand with copyright restrictions, bearing in mind these are old photos.
Thanks.

 

[big soft moose]

copyright usually extends 70 years after the death of the originator I think - so if they are older than that you might be okay , however i'd check the legals more thoroughly before coming to a decision

 

[modchild]

Your copyright is a valuable asset from which income may be derived after your death. Copyright in artistic works
currently lasts for 70 years from the death of the creator. If you retain the copyright in your works throughout your
life then you have the ability to pass the copyright to whomever you wish on your death. In order to ensure that your
copyright passes in accordance with your wishes on your death it is important to make a clear provision in your Will
regarding copyright and who you would like to inherit it (including the right to receive royalty payments). The recipients
of the assets which form the subject of your Will are called ‘benefi ciaries

So I guess it depends a lot on the artists will as to who has copyright. If there's no known will you might just be ok.