Unknown Manufacturer
Wet Plate Holder - c. 1850-c.1870
8 x 10
and 5 x 7
Notes:
That this is a wet plate holder is indicated by the easily cleaned glass corners used to suspend the plate, preventing the still-damp emulsion from contaminating the wood. Its size is 13⅝" square with a ¼" rabbet on one side, probably the top. The two inserts having glass corners are "kits" to fit 8x10" and 5x7" plates. Its slide is solid mahogany - an early feature.
The manufacturer of this plate holder is unknown, as there are no stamped identifications. It is not either E. & H.T. Anthony & Co.'s Benster Holder or the Scovill Mfg. Co.'s Bonanza Holder. Both of these two named holders have a built-in method of changing plate size or orientation, whereas this holder relies on its removable "kits". Taking this into account, as well as the solid wood slide, it is likely that this holder was made somewhat earlier than the named holders of the 1880's and 1890's, i.e., c.1850-c.1870.
References:
