Stamp on the long face of the plate holder

Catch used on both sides of the plate holder to replace or retain plates

Manufacturer: Scovill Mfg. Co., New Haven, CT factory
Date Introduced: - ; Years Manufactured: c. 1882 - 1885
Construction: rear focus via push-pull; no swing; reversing by two tripod mounts; three-piece lens board
Materials: quarter-sawn sycamore body, cherry platform, brass hardware, black fabric bellows
Sizes Offered: #A=4x5; #B=5x8; #C=5x8 stereo and single; D=6 ½x8 ½
Notes:

     This is an inexpensively made camera, very similar to the Ne Plus Ultra Folding Platform.  The only difference is that it is made from quarter-sawn sycamore wood, a semi-hardwood having a striking pattern when quarter-sawn.   This wood is also found on the Scovill New York (601-603) Camera.  The back is made of the same wood, not painted black like the Ne Plus Ultra or Favorite.

     The bed lock is via a thumbscrew (like the Ne Plus Ultra) rather than patent side clamps (like the Waterbury, which may mean that it was an early model, made prior to the side clamp patent (20 Oct 1885).

     Each has an appropriate nickel-plated Waterbury Lens Variation 1, another indication of an early origination.

     The cameras have long platforms - when folded up, it extends at least 2" above the top of the camera.  Most cameras of "tailboard" construction possess bases that reach exactly the top of the camera when folded, thereby being more compact.   The case has been made taller to accommodate the height.  It has interior slots to fit a septum for stereo work. 

     All except one have ground glass frames that are unattached to the camera, that is, they are completely removed when the plate holder is affixed.  The one that is different has side-mounted L-shaped hinges on the sides of the ground glass holder that are identical to others observed on Scovill products, so are undoubtedly original.  Its serial number is 580, the highest of all the serial numbers, making it probably a late improvement in the lifetime of the model.

     Each of two of the shown examples, Serial No. 342/548 and Serial No. 233, are associated with an identical American Optical Scovill's Safety (drop) Shutter.  That the shutters are identical implies that American Optical/Scovill sold a set combination of camera & accessories - an outfit, which was probably advertised as such.

References:
The Photographer's Friend, Richard Walsl (Baltimore, MD), 7th edition, 1882, p. 51 (A, B & C only)
Catalogue No. 7, T. F. Indermill, St. Joseph, MO, Oct. 1, 1885, p. 97 (A-D) (but the description is not specific enough - may be referring to the Favorite)
 

5 x 8, Serial No. 233

Drop Shutter (front)

Drop Shutter (rear)

6 ½ x 8 ½, Serial No. 40

Maker's Stamp on rear of platform

Serial or Assembly Number Stamp on top of ground glass frame

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