Scovill Mfg. Co.

Ne Plus Ultra Outfit (no letters)

5x8



 

 Date Introduced: - ; Years Manufactured: c.1889-1896
Construction: back focus via push-pull; single swing; reversing via two tripod mounts; removable or non-removable front, folding or non-folding platform
Materials: white wood body; cherry base; black fabric bellows; brass hardware, varnish finish
Sizes Offered: 4x5; 5x8; 6½x8½
Notes: The three references are unanimous that this camera came with single swing, rubber bellows, removable front and folding platform.  The outfit came w/ 1 holder, 1 Taylor folding tripod, a Waterbury Achromatic lens w/ revolving diaphragm, and a wooden carrying case.   The folding platform differs from the Ne Plus Ultra (A-DDD).  Since they are advertised at the same time as the Favorite, yet had no engravings, it is difficult to speculate how they differ from the Favorite (also with single swing, rubber bellows, removable front and folding platform), except that they cost considerably less.  This camera has the typical Ne Plus Ultra construction, but an original and stock removable front - it differs from the descriptions in the references by having a rigid platform.  Nevertheless, it might be what Scovill was selling as the Ne Plus Ultra (no letters).  The hinges on the back are probably not original.

References:
How to Make Photographs and Descriptive Price List, Scovill & Adams Co. (New York, NY), January 1889, p. 12
How to Make Photographs and Descriptive Price List, The Scovill & Adams Co. (New York, NY), distributed by Horgan, Robey & Co. (Boston, MA), June 1891, p. 4
How to Make Photographs and Descriptive Price List, The Scovill & Adams Co. (New York, NY), January 1892, p. 2
How to Make Photographs and a Descriptive Price List, The Scovill & Adams Co. (New York, NY), 1896, p. 22

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