Some databases let you specify a search range. This option is not available in all databases and the rules vary. You might just enter the starting value for the range followed by two periods (..) and then the last value in the range. When performing this type of search, it is important to use the correct limits. This can be very useful in limiting a subject to a specific range. You will need to check your database for the specifics of how that database uses date ranges. These differ widely.
Example: I did an advance search of "1860..1865" as a subject search and Virginia as a key word. "1860..1865". This told the catalog to find items with the numbers 1860, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864 OR 1865 in the subject heading. I received a list of four hits on life in Virginia during that time period.
Note: you can also specify an open ended range as in ..1900 gives everything before and including 1900 (2000.. gives 2000 and everything after).