American Optical Co., Scovill Mfg. Co., props.
New View Camera Box
Improved View Camera Box
Cone View Camera Box
Date Introduced: June, 1873 ; Years
Manufactured: 1873-c.1882
Construction: rear focus
via push-pull with fine focusing screw; single swing;
square plateholder allows reversing
by placement of plate either horizontally or vertically;
three-piece lensboard; brass track guides
Materials: mahogany body; cherry base; black fabric bellows;
brass hardware
Sizes Offered: 4.25x5.5; 6.5x8.5; 8x10;10x12; 11x14; 14x17;
17x20; 20x24
Notes: The catalogs explain that
this model is made two ways: 1) the back swings inside of body (as
illustrated in the engraving and the photographed camera); 2)
the back swings outside of body. The
Venus is an 8x10 version of this camera with extra
accessories. The photographed camera was originally the unusual 4.25x5.5 size,
but it's original ground glass back has been altered to have a spring-loaded 4x5 back. It also had a focus screw,
which is now missing. It's side, rear brass guides are stamped "JOHN
STOCK'S PATENTED AUG. 4, 1863 ASSIGNED TO AM. OPTICAL Co." That
patent substantially describes the layout of this camera. John
Stock was bought out by American Optical in 1866. That the brass is
stamped with a John Stock reference probably means that this camera dates more
towards 1873 than to 1882.
References:
Photographic Times 3, June, 1873, p. 83 (referred to as new)
Wilson, Hood & Co. Cat., 1873, p. 34
American Optical Catalog, 1878, p. 15-16
Thos. H. McCollins Catalog, 1882, p. 14
Back to American Optical Co.