Unknown Manufacturer
Unknown Field Camera 16
5 x 8
Bottom
Top
Date Introduced: - ;
Years Manufactured: c. 1890
Construction: back focus
via push-pull; single swing; non-reversing; replacement three-piece mahogany lens board
Materials: mahogany body; cherry base;
black fabric bellows; brass hardware
Sizes Offered: 5x8 (illustrated);
Notes:
This is a camera manufactured using box joints and construction jigs, indicative of a factory-made camera. The swing hardware is not similar to any other manufactured camera of the era. It therefore appears to be the product of a small or regional manufacturer. It has slots in the rear standard for a stereo septum, but it is not present. The hinged platform is currently made rigid by pushing forward two light-colored blocks of wood attached to each other by a brass plate. This appears to be something jerry-rigged by an owner, rather than original equipment. However, any sign of the original device used is not apparent. It may be that the camera originally had a non-folding base which was cut and hinged to allow folding. This is suggested by the lack of cross platform support, which is nearly universally used for folding platforms. It is not clear whether the carrying case is a manufactured case, as the canvas cover would have to be removed to see the joints. It does appear to be made of pine of approximately the thickness normally used for manufactured cases.
References:
