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

Philadelphia Stereoscopic Box, New

Date Introduced: 1870 ; Years Manufactured: c.1871-1882
Construction: rear focus via  push-pull with fine focusing screw; single swing; reversing by two tripod mounts; three-piece lensboard
Materials: mahogany body; cherry base; black fabric bellows; brass hardware
Sizes Offered: 4x7; 4x8; 5x8
Notes: Same as the Philadelphia Stereoscopic Box, except for the swing configuration. The rear of this camera swings inside of the main box, while the "old" version swings outside. However, American Optical did not help to distinguish the difference by using the same engraving for both cameras. More confusion is added by Wilson, Hood & Co., who use that same engraving (above) for Stereoscopic Boxes on p. 33, while advertising the Philadelphia cameras on the next page.
References:
Photo. Times 1, 1871, p. 14
American Optical Catalog, 1878, p. 12-13
Thos. H. McCollins Catalog, 1882, p. 9
 

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