Posted 14 years ago
tristram
(5 items)
I purchased this Scovill in 2009. It is a totally undocumented model. I inquired with three of the leading camera collector's and experts and I received three different opinions. The first was that it was a prototype. The second was that it was a St. Louis manufactured by Scovill, at the time the proprietors’ of the American Optical Co. manufactured the St. Louis model with better quality wood and materials. This camera is embossed with Scovill Mfg Co, NY, on the front rail, lens board and the back. with Lot #35. This camera was manufactured between 1887 to 1888. I concur with the third opinion that it was a "Special Order".
J.M.L. & W.H. Scovill, Waterbury, CT (1802-1849), non-ferrous metal products and Daguerreotype plates 1802-1849
American Optical Co., Scovill Mfg. Co., props. (1871-1889)
Scovill Mfg. Co., New York, NY (1849-1889)
D. Tristram Ludwig
