Posted 9 years ago
rniederman
(347 items)
Early in my collecting and years before specializing in pre-1900 wood apparatus, small American cameras caught my eye.
This 1927 Memo by Ansco is not rare and actually pretty cute – a reason I kept this camera. (Besides, my kids like it.) It is a small, leather covered wooden camera that makes 50 exposures 18 x 23mm (½ frame) on 35mm film. Sliding a button on the back advances the film.
This is an early example with an “ANSCO” brass plate. It has nicely pebbled and embossed leather, brass exposure counter and its original suede carrying case. Several variations were made including a polished wood version and a Boy Scout model painted in olive-drab color.
Thanks!
shughs
Michael
fortapache
vetraio50
beautiful!!
Excellent early example! It wasn't long after they began covering them with leather that they added the shutter release guard, so this one falls right into that short time frame. Would you be willing to tell me the serial number of your Memo? I'm just curious.
Thanks, John ... #7745 and has a "PAT. APL'D FOR" stamped inside the back confirming your comment that it's an early example. As a post-1900 camera, I don't study these like my early wood cameras. Have you seen other numbers, and if so, what range? BTW ... this camera has one metal film cassette. I understand earlier cassettes are wood?
Thanks Rob. I have two Memos - one is a later one with the release guard, whose serial number I don't know off the top of my head (I'm at work at the moment). I will have to dig it out and check. Probably easily 5 digits. That one is not in the best condition, but does have the original upgraded hard leather case.
The other is an early polished-wood version, with the suede case like yours. That one is in great condition. Its serial number is 1625. I have seen numbers as low as 1317. Interestingly, that example has a brass shutter release WITH the guard, which leads me to believe Ansco offered the guard as a retrofit accessory. Keep the low serial numbers in mind if you decide to acquire a polished-wood version. I have a strong suspicion fakes exist.
Thanks!
David
mtg75
jscott0363
GeodeJem
Oh I forgot to address the cassette question. Yes, earlier cassettes were wood, though sometimes you'll find wooden cassettes in later cameras, and metal ones in earlier ones. Off the top of my head I can't recall which cassettes are in which of my Memos.
Thanks, John ... and your polished wood model is a beauty. And yes, I've seen many fakes ... versions in which the leather is stripped off and wood refinished.
Thanks!
Nicefice
antiquerose
Radegunder
sanhardin
Thanks!
leighannrn
racer4four
mcheconi
Thanks!
Sean
Designer
Thanks!
farmlady
Chevelleman69
John K
Beachbum58
Thanks!
f64imager
lisa
crswerner
Thanks!
Peasejean55
Longings
Designer
Thanks again, farmlady!
Thanks, OMG!
Thanks!
kyratango
Nordicman32
Oh ... here is John's exposed, polished wood version of this camera. It's a beauty. http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/7055-ansco-memo-wood-and-brass
Thanks!
AnnaB
usedcarlady
collectorsedition50
egreeley1976