A. Semmendinger
(see
also
http://semmendinger-camera.com/)
Excelsior View Camera Variation 1
Below, Richard Walzl Catalog, 1882, p. 46
11 x 14" Excelsior Field Camera Variation 1 Bottom Top Stamps, upper lens
board: Left: "Excelsior", Right: “A. Semmendinger, Manuf’r / Fort Lee,
N.J.”.
Reproduction rear platform (folded up) Date Introduced: -
; Years Manufactured: c. 1870 References:
Back to Miscellaneous Camera Companies
This camera had a catastrophic accident at some point during its period
of regular use, resulting in the loss of its rear platform. It now
has a replacement rear platform. An illustrated description of the
construction of the replacement platform is located at
semm1.platform.construction.htm.
Construction: rear
focus
Materials: mahogany, brass hardware, black
fabric bellows
Sizes Offered: 6 ½x8 ½
to 1-4; 8x10; 10x12; 11x14; 14x17; 17x20; 5x8 Stereoscopic
Notes: Apparently all
Semmendinger Cameras, no matter what design, are called The Excelsior.
This one, having cone bellows, is referred to here as Excelsior
Variation 1, and appears to be the most common Semmendinger design,
containing a small chamber below the lens board and cone bellows, as
shown in the engraving above. Another type, without the chamber,
is referred to as
Excelsior
Variation 2.
The Photographer's Friend, Richard Walzl (Baltimore, MD), 7th
edition, 1882, p. 46 (as Extra Quality View Cameras)
Walzl's Photographic Journal and the Photographer's Friend, Richard
Walzl, pub. (Baltimore, MD) undated c.1886, p. 35 and p. 92 (as Excelsior
View)
