Quarter-plate Lewis-type camera with chamfered front and back and bellows focusing. Within a few years of the original Daguerreotype cameras, the first uniquely American style evolved with chamfered front and back. The exterior of the camera retains its simple, elegant form covered in rosewood veneer. One hinged door on the top allows access to the focusing box, which has slots for a plate holder and a viewing screen. The viewing screen is present with this camera. The lens is an un-numbered J.M.Harrison Petzval type lens with tangential rack and pinion focusing drive (usually associated with European lenses) - the correct lens for this camera. The firm of W. H. Lewis, in New Windsor, N.Y., was the first to incorporate the bellows into an American camera. Also included is the very rare and interesting original tripod. A cast-iron yoke connects the three legs to an adjustable centre post. At the top of the centre post is a sloping shelf, hinged at the front, and adjusted with an original wooden screw to tilt the camera. Adjustments right or left are made by pivoting the camera on the shelf, which is slightly wider than the camera for this purpose. American factory-made daguerreotype cameras, such as the chamfered box or the later Lewis bellows box designs, are highly desirable and rarely come to market, especially with their original tripod. The camera, marked 'PALMER LONGKING MANUFACTURERS OF DAGUERREOTYPE APPARATUS NEWBURG NEW YORK', is in very fine condition., 1853 -

The buyers premium for all items exported out of E.C. (European Community) is 23%. For items marked with *, sold and/or shipped within the E.C. the premium is 27,6% (including VAT) plus 20% VAT on the hammer price. For all other items (without *) sold and/or shipped within the E.C. (European Community) the premium is 27,6% (including VAT).

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