American Optical Co., Scovill & Adams Co., props.

Landscape Camera, Reversible

Date Introduced: 1896 ; Years Manufactured: 1896-c.1900
Construction: rear focus via push-pull; single or double swing; reversing by removable back; three-piece lensboard
Materials: mahogany body; cherry base; black fabric bellows; brass hardware
Sizes Offered: 6.5x8.5; 8x10; 11x14; 14x17
Notes: This camera is similar to the Scovill "Acme", which had been discontinued c. 1891.  Apparently the success of Rochester back focus cameras prompted the reintroduction of this model.  Presumably, it was  better finished than the Acme since it was made by American Optical, and it has the lower profile spring back.
References:
not in 1895 literature
American Ann. Photo. Almanac, 1896, p. LXIX "a new camera"
American Annual of Photography and Photographic Times Almanac for 1896, p. lxix ("a new camera)
American Annual of Photography and Photographic Times Almanac for 1897, p. lxvii
American Annual of Photography and Photographic Times Almanac for 1897, p. lx
George Murphy (New York, NY) Catalog, April 1898, p. 20 (as the Eagle Reversible Back View Camera)

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