Waterbury View Camera (unused condition). 1885-86

Waterbury field view cameras, by the Scovill Manufacturing Company were very popular, used heavily and often found well worn. Yet they are a handsome, classic American design. Having owned several over the years I was excited to acquire an apparently unused example in the smallest offered format (4 x 5 inches).

It is 100% original with an undrilled factory marked lens board and matching serial numbers (#521). Taking into consideration this 130+ year old camera is in new condition with nicely aged patina and a couple of tiny dings here-and-there, it could be looked at as antique “New Old Stock” (NOS)!

What is interesting is these were typically sold as complete kits including a mounted lens, tripod, etc. So the chances of something like this surviving is very rare.

As background, the camera was available from 1885 to about 1896. Complete outfits were offered for $12.00 (about $332 adjusted for 2017).