Share your favorites on Show & Tell

Unknown 1890s American Folding Camera

In Cameras > Wood Cameras > Show & Tell.
Wood Cameras235 of 283Early Sanderson "A" Pattern, probably by Holmes Brothers.camera or projector?
9
Love it
2
Like it

oldpeepoldpeep loves this.
WindwalkerWindwalker loves this.
SEAN68SEAN68 loves this.
scottvezscottvez loves this.
ericevans2ericevans2 loves this.
WinterWolfWinterWolf likes this.
larsbepilarsbepi likes this.
f64imagerf64imager loves this.
officialfuelofficialfuel loves this.
trunkmantrunkman loves this.
walksoftlywalksoftly loves this.
See 9 more
Add to collection

    Please create an account, or Log in here

    If you don't have an account, create one here.


    Create a Show & TellReport as inappropriate


    Posted 12 years ago

    rniederman
    (343 items)

    I have a soft-spot for American 1890s red bellows, self-casing cameras; and can identify the vast majority. Of course there are always a couple that refuse to be labeled.

    The camera shown here is a puzzle. It has extraordinary craftsmanship and materials are first rate: Finely pebbled body leather, strong red leather bellows, robust brass hardware, huge German optical glass, and fine furniture quality wooden interior. There are also unique details and features not found in any maker's catalogue such as an innovative brass rear extension with full swings and tilts.

    Based on the construction and design, the camera probably dates to c.1899. Yet I’ve stared at it for years and unable to find a reference.

    Which factory produced this camera and what model name was intended for the blank brass plaque? Why all the subtle attention to detail such as wood turned 45 degrees to increase strength and a parquet panel bed for warp resistance?

    I might not know the answers today, but maybe someday the maker will be found.

    logo
    Wood Cameras
    See all
    Polaroid SX-70 Model 2 - Walnut Wood Replacement Cover
    Polaroid SX-70 Model 2 - Walnut Woo...
    $32
    Rare 5x7 Rochester Optical New Model Improved Camera Dry Plate No 2 Lens Nickle
    Rare 5x7 Rochester Optical New Mode...
    $375
    J. Lancaster Le Meritoire Antique Mahogany & Brass Camera, 1889
    J. Lancaster Le Meritoire Antique M...
    $325
    FOLDING CAMERA KODAK # 2 FOLDING POCKET A ANTIQUE CUSTOM CAMPHOR WOOD
    FOLDING CAMERA KODAK # 2 FOLDING PO...
    $170
    logo
    Polaroid SX-70 Model 2 - Walnut Wood Replacement Cover
    Polaroid SX-70 Model 2 - Walnut Woo...
    $32
    See all

    Comments

    1. rniederman rniederman, 11 years ago
      Thanks, Eric!
    2. rniederman rniederman, 11 years ago
      Thanks, Scott!
    3. rniederman rniederman, 11 years ago
      Thanks, mustangtony!
    4. rniederman rniederman, 10 years ago
      Thanks, aghcollect and Sean!
    5. rniederman rniederman, 10 years ago
      Thanks, Windwalker!
    6. rniederman rniederman, 6 years ago
      Thanks, oldpeep!

    Want to post a comment?

    Create an account or login in order to post a comment.