American Optical Co., Scovill Mfg. Co., props.

 

Unknown Camera

 

6 ½ x 8 ½

Manufacturer: American Optical Co. New York, NY factory
Date Introduced: - ; Years Manufactured: c. 1895
Construction: back focus via rack and pinion (gear tracks on top of base rails); single swing via top thumbscrew and guide; reversing by removable back
Materials: mahogany body; cherry base; black fabric bellows; brass hardware
Sizes Offered: at least 6 ½x8 ½ (pictured)
Notes: This camera was not marked Scovill or American Optical.  In fact, its rising front assembly was completely missing.  Its other hardware is typical Scovill, however, and the location of a brass screw retainer on the left side of the front standard indicated that the typical Scovill combination rise and lens board hardware was required on the front.  From the low profile back, this would date from the Scovill & Adams years.  It is an unusual model for its day, in that its bellows are straight rather than tapered (such as the Acme).   It could be considered a version of the American Optical 76 Camera, altered slightly because of its large size.  This camera could also be a Gennert, since some Gennert cameras have almost identical hardware and design as Scovill's.

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