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Unknown Field Camera 2

8 x 10



 

Date Introduced: - ; Years Manufactured: c. 1890
Construction: front focus via rack and pinion (single gear track in middle of base); single swing; reversing by removable back
Materials: mahogany body; cherry base; black leatherette bellows (may be a replacement); brass hardware
Sizes Offered: 8x10 (illustrated);
Notes: This camera bears a superficial resemblance to an American Optical or Scovill "St. Louis".   However, the hardware is entirely unique, especially its large, trapezoidal sheets that clip the back at the top, the complex-shaped swing plate (illustrated in the detail above), and the spring-loaded mechanism that makes the bed rigid (also illustrated in the detail above).  Also rather unusual is the over-use of screws - most of them appear to be original to the camera.
References:
 

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