American Optical Co.

Flandreau

Date Introduced: - ; Years Manufactured: c.1888-1898
Construction: front focus via push-pull; single swing; reversing by two tripod mounts; three-piece lensboard
Materials: mahogany body; metal base rods; black fabric bellows; brass and nickeled brass hardware
Sizes Offered: 4x5 (photos); 5x7
Notes: A camera similar to the Tourist Pocket Camera, in that it has horizontal metal rods, and stated as such in the catalogs.  Catalogs do not contain an engraving of the model, and the camera above is only stamped with the classic "American Optical Co., Scovill Mfg. Co. Prop.".   The rods do not serve to extend the draw, but rather appear to merely be a way to push the front standard out from the back and lock it in place.  When folded, the rods become a troublesome appendage next to the ground glass.  The function of the large threaded piece at the end of the rod assembly is not apparent.  Were the rods to be pushed entirely in (the bellows fully extended), a locking mechanism would keep them in place.   This is not recommended, however, since the front standard (which is quite thin at one point) has previously been broken by such an attempt, and, besides, the current lens is in focus as shown.
References:
How to Make Photographs and Descriptive Price List, C.H. Codman & Co. (Boston, MA), September 1888, p. 21
Buchanan, Bromley & Co. (Philadelphia, PA) Catalog, 1888
How to Make Photographs and Descriptive Price List, Scovill & Adams Co. Catalog, January 1889, p. 20
Buchanan, Bromley & Co. (Philadelphia, PA) Catalog, 1889
How to Make Photographs and Descriptive Price List, Scovill & Adams Co. Catalog, January 1892, p. 11
American Annual of Photography and Photographic Times Almanac for 1893, p. 145
How to Make Photographs and Descriptive Price List, Scovill & Adams Co. Catalog, 1896, p. 30
American Annual of Photography and Photographic Times Almanac for 1897, p. lxi (bargain page)

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