Aerial Photographs of San Francisco Circa 1930
An impressive group of circa 1930 aerial photographs of the San Francisco Bay area. We can estimate the date of these images by the absence of both the Golden Gate Bridge (constructed 1933-1937) and the Bay Bridge (completed 1936). These views evoke the physical beauty of the Bay Area itself, including San Francisco, the city's built environment, as well as the natural features of the land and surrounding geography. The photographs show the San Francisco waterfront, including piers, warehouses, and other commercial buildings. Also views of San Francisco Bay, islands (including Alcatraz) and peninsulas, a number of ships, scenic views of Mount Tamalpais, core urban areas, landmarks such as the Ferry Building and Clocktower, the Palace of Fine Arts, the de Young Museum, and the Sutro Baths.
While the photographer is not identified, the prints were printed locally on Velox photographic paper by a San Francisco photo finisher indicated by the stamp on verso of each print: "Staples Quality Prints / 910 Market St. Opposite Fifth."
Rarity
Such collections of early 20th-century aerial photographs of San Francisco are rare in the market.