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Unknown Field Camera 4
5 x 8
Date Introduced: - ;
Years Manufactured: c. 1890
Construction: back focus
via push-pull; single swing; reversing by two tripod mounts; one
piece solid mahogany lens board
Materials: mahogany body; cherry base;
black fabric bellows; brass hardware
Sizes Offered: 5x8 (illustrated);
Notes: This camera is mostly well made
using jigs and box-dovetails- usually a sign of professional production.
The front is mitered, which is an unusual production detail. The
back, where the dark slide is inserted into a slot, is most unusual, but
functional. Most of the hardware appears production, also, except
for the top lens board retainer, which is amateurish. It came in a
canvas case typical of the era. The plate-holders are made by the
Blair Camera Co. Conclusion: it could be either a rare
manufacturer or the work of a talented amateur.
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