Very nice Beck Bellows Camera in very good condition. England, Circa 1890

This amazing antique bellows camera is a real witness of the photographic art from the late 19th century. It is a Beck T.E.B.. The camera is in really good aesthetic conditions and comes with its two plate chargers. The box and the chargers are made of solid mahogany woodl. The golden brass pieces are original and so is the leather bellows that remains complete and with no torn parts. The front lens bears an engraved inscription in capital letters that reads SYMMETRICAL LENS BECK.R & J Beck was an English optic material manufacturing company founded in London in 1843 by Richard and Joseph beck, nephews of J. J. Lister, associated with the instrument maker James Smith. After Smith retired in 1865 the company changed its name to R & J Beck. As well as cameras, the firm also produced microscopes, telescopes and lenses. Legendary Lawrence the Arabia was known to use a Beck plate camera to portrait his journeys. The cameras brass component parts are slightly worn by the trace of time and the use. Nevertheless, this feature testifies for the ancient age and authenticity of this piece and provides it with the beautiful patina of time. The shutter is stuck but I think that it is complete. The bellows, on the contrary, is in excellent condition and shows scarcely any sign of wear. The mahogany wood is also very well preserved it boasts a wonderful French-polish finish that has been restored to shine in all its glory. This Beck bellows camera is a historic piece that treasures all the charm of antique cameras from the late 19th century. Measurements: Width: 7.8 in / 20 cm. Height: 7.8 in /20 cm.