Great Antique Bellows Camera With Tripod. Vienna, Circa 1900

Stunning antique bellows camera with original tripod, probably used in a photo studio. This big-sized camera is a real witness to turn-of-the-century photography and has survived to our days in really good condition. It comes from Wien, Austria and dates from the late 19th or early 20th century (circa 1900). The camera comes with its original wooden tripod and keeps all its component parts and pieces in working order. It includes a cable shutter that can be connected to the lens; a spring from this piece is missing, and sometimes the shutter remains opened after releasing it. Nevertheless, the camera can be used and it is a remarkably decorative piece. The cameras casing is made of solid mahogany wood, with lovely brass metalwork in great condition. The bellows that connects the lens with the rear glass plate is made of reddish-brown leather. It is wonderfully preserved, with no torn or worn parts. The bellows can be extended to more than 50 cm of length, a considerable size for this type of cameras. The tripod is also made of solid wood; it is composed of stylized parts connected by brass pieces. The legs can be dismantled and separately stored once folded. The brass lens is the original one and bears the engraved serial number Nº 139381. The cable shutter that can be attached to the lens in order to take photographs is made of black-enameled metal and bears the engraved initials D.M. G.M. At the back side of the camera we can see the original translucent glass pane, in good condition and with the lines that help the photographer to frame the images. Beside the glass pane there is a riveted metal plate with the name of the factory where the camera was manufactured: FABRIK PHOTOGR. APPARATE RAGOLDMANN WIEN, IV. VIKTORG. 14. Its astonishing look and great condition will turn this antique bellows camera into the starring piece of any room. Measurements: Unfolded: Width: 20.4 in / 52 cm. Folded: 10.6 in / 27.5 cm. Depth: 8.6 in / 22 cm. Height: 12.5 in / 32 cm. Back: Height: 10.2 in / 27 cm. Glass Pane: Width: 7 In / 18 cm. Height: 9.4 in / 24 cm.