Antique Contessa-Nettel Deckrullo Tropical Stereo Camera. Germany, 1921-25

This antique Contessa-Nettel Deckrullo Tropical Stereo camera is an exclusive piece, a very rare model difficult to find on sale in such great condition. It is a folding plate camera made in Germany between 1921 and 1925, designed to be used with 9x12-cm plates. The name Tropical is due to the wood the case is made of, probable solid mahogany. The wood is in striking condition, with no scratches or broken parts. It keeps the original satin finish which has been restored to regain its fine look and soft touch. The chrome-plated and matt metal pieces are also in great condition, turning this camera into a collectors piece and a wonderful decorative item. Though the shutter is not in working order, the folding mechanism that extends the bellows is in good condition. The case can be easily opened and closed in order to unfold and fold the bellows. On the other hand, the camera mounts two Carl Zeiss Tessar 1:4,5 f=9 cm objectives with their corresponding lids. It comes in its original black-leather carrying case; the case is not in good conditions and shows clear signs of worn due to the trace of time and use, but it is still the perfect accessory for the camera. This comes with two glass-plate holders, a Contessa-Nettel original film holder (loaded with an Agfa film cartridge) and a non-operational cable release. Beautiful and charismatic, this rare antique Contessa-Nettel Deckrullo Tropical Stereo camera will draw everyones attention as part of a good collection of ancient photo items.Deckrullo-Nettel Cameras - History The Deckrullo camera was one of the most popular pressmodels during the first decades of the 20th century. At first, these cameras were manufactured by the Suddeutsches Camerawerk Korner & Mayer (Sontheim am Neckar, Germany). They started being produced in 1903. In 1909 the company changed its name for Nettel Kamera-Werke and the camera started being called the Nettel. The firm was specialized in the manufacture of plate folding cameras and was renowned for its wide range of stereo models. They also made cameras with a special type of shutter known as Deck-Rouleau (covering roller-blind), which eventually became Deckrullo. In 1919 Dr. August Nagel bought the firm and merged it with his own company, Contessa Kamera-Werke; the business was renamed Contessa-Nettel. The camera changed its name for Deckrullo-Nettel. In 1926 Contessa-Nettel merged with Ernemann, Goerz & Ica to form Zeiss-Ikon. The firm continued manufacturing the model, but it reverted to its original Nettel name.