1892 Henry Clay Camera American Optical Scarce, Unusual & Historic Camera
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:140281 |
So every year around this time a bunch of crazy people like me head to a small town in Illinois where pretty much the only thing on the agenda is antique phonographs. We buy antique phonographs; we sell antique phonographs; we do wild and crazy impersonations of people who buy and sell antique phonographs; we talk about antique phonographs -- we talk a lot about them; we share pictures of our antique phonographs like they're pictures of our kids; we exchange hilarious stories about... what you sometimes find in antique phonographs (at least we think they're hilarious stories; not many other people do). Anyhow, that's where I'm going this week -- to the annual antique phonograph hootenanny. Before I take off, though, I want to share with you not pictures of my kids, but rather another exceptional assortment of mechanical, technical and musical antiques, a few of which I suspect will catch your eye. 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 uncommon, early (ca. 1891-92) and eminently collectible Henry Clay folding camera with its original lens and original Mathein pneumatic shutter, its original ground glass focusing plate, its original leather case covering, its original leather carrying handle, and what appears to be its original plate holder. Manufactured by American Optical in New York City, this historic 5 x 7 camera was one of the world's first self-casing cameras, and unlike later self-casing cameras, most of which were built for utility and to a price rather than a standard, the Henry Clay was beautifully designed and constructed of top quality materials. The Henry Clay's price when new ($50 -- almost a month's wages at the time) reflected that.
With the exception of a few areas of wear to the leather exterior (mostly on the underside of the front bed), and a missing door flap in back, the the camera is in very good to excellent condition throughout. Bellows are nice and clean, with some wear but no misfolds, and they don't appear to have any cracks or holes. The wood is in excellent condition, with no damage and no repairs, and the original finish exhibits minimal wear. All of the original brass fittings and clips appear to be original, and only one -- a flat spring that secures the left door arm -- is damaged (it's broken at the end).
The lens looks good, with a nice brass barrel that has no dings. The shutter spring is good, but the shutter is sticky.
Please look at the photographs and consider them an integral part of the description.
The camera has not been tested with film and is being offered for historic and/or collecting purposes only, with no assurances either stated or implied that it's suitable for contemporary photography.
Shipping weight will be about 18 lb.
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.
