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

Star View Camera

Date Introduced: - ; Years Manufactured: c.1890-1898
Construction: front focus via rack and pinion (single gear track on top of middle base rail); single or double swing; reversing by removable back; three-piece lensboard
Materials: mahogany body; mahogany base; brass hardware
Sizes Offered: #110=4x5; #111=4.25x5.5; #112=4.25x6.5; #113=5x7; #114=5x8; #115=6.5x8.5; #116=8x10; 117=11x14
Notes: Even though the label says American Optical, this camera is not as well finished as the similar Flammang Front Focus, and therefore may actually be a Scovill factory product.  Scovill catalogs are not very clear on which cameras are Scovill and which American Optical, thereby trading on the American Optical brand, which had a deservedly high reputation.  This model is essentially a St. Louis, Variation 3, but with metal posts as a front standard.   The bed is in three sections, with the  front section removable, although you have to know the trick to pull the front section sideways to remove it.  The front extension is missing on the above camera.  The model was stated to come with a canvas case.
References:
American Annual of Photography and Photographic Times Almanac for 1890, p. 73
How to Make Photographs and Descriptive Price List, Scovill & Adams Co. Catalog, January 1892, p. 19
American Annual of Photography and Photographic Times Almanac for 1893, p. 107
How to Make Photographs and Descriptive Price List, Scovill & Adams Co. Catalog, 1896, p. 33
American Annual of Photography and Photographic Times Almanac for 1897, p. lxi (bargain page)

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