Tiny, 1890 Rochester Optical 4 X 5 Wood Tailboard Camera Outfit
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:124813 | Brand: Rochester Optical |
Happy summer, everyone.
It's Friday, June 21st, and I'm writing this from a cottage near Stonehenge, where I'm waiting patiently for the solstice. Just kidding. It's Sunday, June 23rd, and I'm writing this from my living room in North Carolina, where I'm staring out at my neighbor's driveway, watching his German Shepard chase a skink. I lead an exciting life.
Not to be outdone by my last batch of listings, I've got 6 more outstanding auctions for you this we...ek, each showcasing an ancient example of what happens when art gets intermingled with industry. So when you're finished here, make sure to check out my other listings. And don't forget, you can click this link to quickly add and then save me to your favorite seller list and Ebay will automatically send you updates when I put similar new auctions online.
Here's an exceptionally nice and wonderfully small (plate size is just 4" x 5"), 130-year-old glass plate view camera outfit manufactured by Rochester Optical. The camera was one of ROC's smallest tailboard cameras and was marketed to campers, tourists, cyclists, weekend adventurers, naturalists and others who wanted to document what they saw and with whom, without needing to drag along fifty pounds of equipment.
Everything except the tripod legs can be stowed in the original Rochester Optical wood case, which measures just 8" x 8" x 7" when closed. The lightweight c. 1902 Rochester Optical tripod (approx. 3 lb.) collapses down to just 22" when not in use. The outfit includes the original ROC 4x5 plate holder and the original ROC 4x5 lens.
Condition of the camera is essentially mint throughout. With the exception of an age-related hairline in the underside of the bed (see 10th pic), the camera looks and feels almost like new, despite being more than 130 years old. The mahogany body retains its original hand-rubbed French polish finish, as does the cherry bed. The finish is beautiful, just the tone you want to see on an antique mahogany camera. All of the nickel-plated fittings are original and in "as new" condition, and no fittings are missing. The camera opens easily, closes easily, and stays rigid when the bed is locked in place. As you can see, it looks great from any angle and even better when mounted on the tripod.
Camera retains its original lens board and its original ground glass focusing plate. Bellows are original, with no repairs or misfolds. Lens element is in excellent condition, ground glass is perfect, with no scratches or damage. Lens throws a crisp image against the ground glass back with sufficient lighting.
Dove-tailed case is original, stamped "Rochester Optical Co." on the lid, and is in outstanding condition. Original finish, original handle, original latch and original hinges. A few scattered minor marks on the exterior consistent with age, but overall a worthy companion to the camera and accessories it houses.
Surely there's not a nicer example of this little camera anywhere.
That's about it. I will pack it carefully and properly. Auction participants with no prior feedback history or with hidden feedback should contact me before placing a bid. Buyer prepays and includes shipping.
