Carrying Cases of Field Cameras

Since field cameras were meant to be toted around, they often came complete with a carrying case.  Even when sold without a lens, the case was usually supplied. 

The most common case material in the 1880's to the early 1890's was wood.  It is durable and protects the camera as well as any case can.  The wood used was either pine or white wood and approximately 1/4" thick.

Cases from different manufacturers can usually be identified from their construction.  E.&H.T. Anthony wood cases had box joints, were thinly varnished, and often had metal guides or corner guards and leather handles held on by metal hardware.

Scovill Mg. Co. cases featured spline joints and cast iron folding handles.

Rochester Optical Co. wood cases have box joints, heavier varnish than Anthony cases, and are the easiest to identify since they are normally stamped with the manufacturer.

E.&H.T. Anthony produced a brass bound canvas case which was almost as robust as a wooden case.

Oddly enough, canvas-covered cardboard cases of the 1880's were found with expensive cameras, like those of the American Optical Co. and Blair Tourograph and Dry Plate Co.

In the 1890's canvas-covered cardboard cases became commonplace.

There were satchel-looking types.

There were short canvas cases that could stow the camera and one or two plateholders.

Sometimes a long version was also available, with room to the side of the camera for up to 6 plateholders, and even room for a tripod in some of them.

In the 1920's and later, leatherette-covered wood or cardboard cases, or fiberboard cases were used.