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

Philadelphia Stereoscopic Box

Date Introduced: 1870 ; Years Manufactured: 1870-c.1887
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 New Philadelphia Stereoscopic Box, except for the swing configuration. The rear of this camera supposedly swings outside of the main box, while the New version swings inside. However, American Optical did not help the confusion by using the same engraving for both cameras.  As with many cameras of this vintage, a single lens version was available, even if not advertised.  The illustrated 5x8 camera has a single lens.
References:
Philadelphia Photographer, April, 1870, p. 100 (introduced)
Wilson, Hood & Co. (Philadelphia, PA) Catalog, 1873, p. 34
American Optical Catalog, 1878, p. 12-13
Thos. H. McCollins Catalog, 1882, p. 34

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