Antique Wooden Camera. England, Circa 1880.

Antique field bellows camera more than one hundred years old, in very good condition and working order. The camera mounts a rare Wollensak lens, very well preserved. This lens is a very special item, as it is one of the first models launched by the American optical company. The camera mounts 18x13 cm glass plates; the red bellows is original from the time and remains in great condition too. This bellows can be opened and stretched until it reaches a length of 45 cm. The camera performs all its functions correctly and it seems to work fine with all its speeds too. The casing is made of solid mahogany wood, with brass metalwork. Both materials are greatly preserved; the wood also keeps the original transparent finish. The lens mounted at the front side of the camera bears the name SENIOR printed at the top in clear white lettering. At the bottom it also bears the companys name, WOLLENSAK OPT CO., engraved in the metal. The camera comes inside a stylish wooden storing case, later made, shaped as a suitcase and made of light-colored mahogany. The case keeps the original silvery-metal handle and locks and has beautiful dovetail joints that reveal its artisanal character. This nostalgic and antique field camera with Wollensak lens is the perfect piece to decorate a study or a living room. It is also a functional camera that could still be used to take charming antique-style photographs. Measurements: Minimum Length: 10.82 in / 27.5 cm. Maximum Length: 17.71 in / 45 cm. Height: 9 in / 25 cm. Depth: 6.89 in / 17.5 cm.History of Wollensak Wollensak was a North American company located in Rochester, New York. It was founded in 1899 by Andrew and John Wollensak. They manufactured camera lenses and shutters. Before starting his own business, Andrew had already worked as a shutter developer in the prestigious optical company Bausch & Lomb. There he invented the Iris Diaphragm, one of the first modern leaf shutters, and other devices. In 1909 he designed the Optimo shutter, a very versatile model, for his own company. In 1950 the firm was bought by the Revere Camera Co, which in turn was acquired by 3M in 1920. Wollensak closed its doors in 1972 though in 1974 Anson Instruments bought it again. Finally, the company disappeared for good in 2001.