“Any ACF photos published in the USA (say, in a Car Builder Cyclopedia) before 1923 are expired copyrights - they are in the PUBLICDOMAIN - unless they were republished later with notice (1923 to 1963) with a RENEWED copyright, or they were republished with notice (1964 to 1977). Somehow I doubt ACF republished the images or renewed the copyrights.
Physical possession of negatives or drawings does not constitute renewed copyright. So while a museum or library can control access to physical materials, it does not change the copyright status of the materials! Of course you might really piss them off and they'll never let you in the door again, so there's that.
EVERYTHING published prior to 1897 (120 years ago) is expired. The 120 year limit applies to all works, even modern works.”
Yes, but the way Yahoo makes sure those photos that ARE still under protection is for the owner to verify them. Hence, approval.
