American Optical Co./Scovill Mfg. Co.

St. Louis Camera, Variation 2
 Front Focus Cone Camera, Variation 2
Front Focus Reversible Back Camera, Variation 2

Date Introduced: - ; Years Manufactured: c.1885- 1888
Construction: front focus via rack and pinion (single gear track on top of middle base rail); 0/1/2 swings; reversing by removable back; three-piece lensboard
Materials: mahogany body; cherry base; black fabric bellows; brass hardware
Sizes Offered: #110: 4x5 (illustrated); #111: 4.25x5x5; #112: 4.25x6.5; #113: 5x7; #114: 5x8; #115: 6.5x8.5; #117: 8x10; #118: 11x14
References: Photo. Times 15, 1885, p. 583; Scovill & Adams Catalog, January 1889, p. 26
Notes: A similar model was advertised by both American Optical and Scovill (even though Scovill owned American Optical).  American Optical St. Louis cameras have smoother finishes in both wood and brass, and seem to always have a silver Am Opt label.  This camera does not have a label, but is stamped Scovill Mfg. Co.; its plateholders are stamped American Optical Co.  Scovill St. Louis cameras have a lack of the above.  The St. Louis, Variation 1 has a bottom pivot swing rather than the center pivot swing shown above.  The St. Louis, Variation 3 has the bottom pivot but also a bottom wooden plate.

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