Photographic Enlarger C.P. Goerz. Berlin, Germany, 1920

Rare C.P. Goerz photographic enlarger made in Berlin, Germany in 1920. This curious and attractive model has survived to our days in very good condition. It can still be used to enlarge photographic plates as it preserves all its original component parts. The enlarger is a really ancient model, being around one hundred years old. It is capable to enlarge three different sizes of plates and offers three enlarging positions. Both options can be selected through the metal plates with engraved numerals that can be seen at the front of the enlarger. The lens is mounted inside a foldable turret that can be completely folded and hidden into the base, or unfolded to focus the view. The casing is made of solid Wood, sturdy and resistant. The turret is painted black while the bottom part (the trapeze-shaped base) is covered with a faux-leather lining. Under the metal plates stated before we can see other plate with engraved information about the different plate sizes the enlarger works with. Under this plate there is a third one with the name of the manufacturer and the city of location: C.P. GOERZ BERLIN. Every lover of antique photo-related devices will appreciate this rare C.P. Goerz photographic enlarger. Measurements: Base: Width: 8 in /20 cm. Depth: 6 in / 15 cm. Height: Unfolded Turret: 17.4 in / 43.5 cm. Folded Turret: 10.6 in / 16. 5 cm.C. P. Goerz History C. P. Goerz, the famous optic and photographic material manufacturing company, was founded in Berlin in 1886 by Carl Paul Goerz. They first produced mathematical instruments, but only one year later they were already making cameras. In 1890 they also started to produce lenses. In 1892, Emil van Höegh joined the company and took over the production and the international sales. Under his leadership, the company introduced the world-famous Dagor and Hypergon lenses. In 1902 the company opened its first branch in New York; that same year C. P. Goerz become a stock corporation. Soon they would establish more branches in London, Paris and St. Petersbourg. In 18911 the firm was one of the leading optic material manufacturers in the world. In 1926 the European branch merged with other companies to form the Zeiss Ikon AG. Differently, the US branch kept on working under the same name. In 1972 the C. P. Goerz American Optical Company merged with Schneider-Optics and disappeared for good.