Samuel Peck & Co.
New Haven CT

Stereo View Camera

Samuel H. Peck manufactured Daguerreian images, cases, and ~1850-1860 wet-plate cameras.  He entered and partnership with Scovill Mfg. Co. in 1855 and sold out by 1860.

5 x 8

Date Introduced: - ; Years Manufactured: c. 1855-1860
Construction: rear focus via push-pull with focus screw; single swing; reversing by second tripod mount.
Materials: mahogany body; cherry base; black fabric bellows; brass hardware, three-piece lensboard.
Sizes Offered: 5x8
Notes:  This camera is identical to the American Optical Philadelphia Stereo Box, and since Peck entered into a business arrangement with Scovill in 1860, the Philadelphia Stereo Camera can be thought of as the continuation of this Peck camera.  The sticker identifies it as formerly in the Kessler collection by way of the Hillian collection.  Hopefully, the glue on the sticker is reversible; a more classic marking system would be a smaller paper label held on using soluvar, a modern formulation readily soluble in paint thinner, which will not harm old shellac or varnish, such as the tags now installed on the underside of the carriage, on the back side of the lensboard, and on the inside cover of the case (every detachable piece) that identify this item as LP718. The wooden case is certainly period, although it may be the work of the owner or a craftsman rather than the factory.

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