Scovill Mfg. Co.

Waterbury Camera, Variation 1

4 x 5

6½ x 8½; 5 x 8; 4 x 5

Date Introduced: 1885 ; Years Manufactured: c. 1885
Construction: back focus via push-pull; single swing via side thumbscrew; reversing by two tripod mounts
Materials: mahogany body; cherry base; black fabric bellows; brass hardware
Sizes Offered: 4x5; 4½x5½; 4¼x6½; 5x7 (starting in 1886); 5x8; 6½x8½;
Notes: The wood on Waterbury cameras is often referred to as "golden oak"; however, it is golden, but not oak - the wood is closer to mahogany (which can be from any one of over thirty different trees). The varnished finish on these was such that often the brass patent bed-rigidizer is oxidized in the middle where the camera finish did not reach; nevertheless, one of the most common Scovill cameras.  By 1886, engravings sported the squared-off swing hardware of Variation 2, so this variation must have been confined to 1885.  The "Waterburys Three" photo features the 4x5, 5x8 and 6.5x8.5 versions.

References:
As common as the Waterbury Variation 1 is, it is amazing not to see any engravings but Variation 2.

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