[CAMERAS]. Scovill Detective Camera. First Model, ca 1886.

American Optical Company. Scovill Manufacturing Company. The Scovill Detective Camera was a leather-covered camera in the 4 x 5 in. format. It featured a red internal bellows and had a rotary string-set shutter and two separate viewfinders. Controls for focusing, cocking, and setting the shutter speed were located within the camera's recessed base. This example is equipped with its original R. Morrison 6-inch lens with a set of Waterhouse stops. The leather flap for the Waterhouse stops is present but detached.

The Scovill Detective Camera made it first appearance as early as 1883, in Scovill's The Photographic Amateur, Second Edition. Early Scovill advertisements for this camera intentionally showed little detail in an effort to preserve its "detective" identity.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]

Please contact the Auction Specialist for details.

Katie Horstman

VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

[email protected]513.666.4958

Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

American Historical Ephemera & Early Photography Online

[CAMERAS]. Scovill Detective Camera. First Model, ca 1886.

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup