Large Format Mahogany Studio Camera on Adjustable Stand c.1890-1930

$2,895

ABOUT

An antique large format camera sitting on an articulating and geared stand. Camera has a Mahogany case constructed with dovetail joinery on solid Mahogany with brass track and brass accents throughout. Original brass label on front and back. Glass plate holders in the back with Mahogany surrounds snap easily on and off. Four solid Bakelite handles move the camera along the track and adjust the angle of the camera. 

Antique lens and attached wooden front plate were added recently: Large format photography brass lens stamped "F.C.Somerville St. Louis, No. 2875 10x12".

The cast iron geared stand has solid Mahogany supports with brass track topped with metal. Solid Mahogany platform for the camera with original felt and brass label. Two large cast iron wheels both have Bakelite handles tipped with brass. Small brass handle locks the camera's position. Hard rubber wheels glide easily. 

Camera moves properly and smoothy along the track. All knobs function properly. Bellows open up smoothy and seem to be intact. The stand functions well lowering, raising and tilting the angle of the camera base. Large locking handle on bottom near front works well. 

Sold for decorative purposes. 

  • CREATOR Agfa Ansco, Binghamton, New York., F.C. Somerville, St. Louis. 
  • DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1890-1930. 
  • MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES  Solid Mahogany, Solid Cast Iron, Optical Glass, Brass, Felt, Rubber. 
  • CONDITION Good. Minor wear consistent with age and use. Minor wear to the camera and base. No chips in the glass. Minor scratches to the top of one support denoted in photos. Second bellows do not open up and are locked in place. A shudder was added to the camera sometime in its lifetime.
  • DIMENSIONS Camera: H 20.25 in. W 33 in. D 18 in., Lens: D 4.25 in Diameter 4 in., Stand: H 50 in. D 33 in. W 32.5 in. 

HISTORY

Ansco, founded in 1842, was one of the earliest photographic equipment and supply manufacturers in the United States. Despite an early start and a patent that should have secured their role in the marketplace, Ansco struggled for years to recover from the significant financial blow Kodak delivered when they entered the market in the late 1880s. In 1928, Ansco merged with Agfa (a German company).

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