Herzog5

Despite the fact that August Herzog's creativeness was an effort to pave a new path for uncomplicated toy and learning cameras, their rarity and apparent lack of advertising indicates he was, more than likely, unsuccessful. In addition to a somewhat high price, the problem might also be attributed to a rapidly maturing industry further separating his camera designs from established body patterns already accepted by the public. Or, was the late 1870s and early 1880s toy camera concept simply too soon for consumers who were comfortable with the simpler pleasures of building blocks, dolls, and kites?

In summary, August Herzog's attempt to offer cameras to teach photography as a family activity is an interesting footnote in the history and evolution of photographic apparatus. His innovative thinking opened the door for others to follow; such as Franklin Putnam's traditionally styled 1880s Marvel tailboard field view camera that was advertised as an outfit to make money - but that's another story.

Listing of August Herzog's Patents by Date of Issue:
• March 9, 1869 - No. 87,672: Material For The Manufacture Of Cabinet And Other Work
...In Wood
• April 19, 1870 - No. 102,123: Improved Cover for Tables, Floors, &c.
• February 25, 1873 - No. 136,243: Improvement in Extension Tables
• August 17, 1875 - No. 166,776: Improvement in Game-Boards
• September 12, 1876 - No. 182,117: Improvement in Toy Cameras
• October 26, 1880 - No. 233,618: Draftman's Triangle
• September 20, 1881 - Reissue No. 9,878: Toy Camera
• October 11, 1881 - No. 248,175: Plate-holder For Cameras
• December 27, 1881 - No. 251,438: Telescoping Easel
• March 25, 1884 - No. 295,638: Photographic Camera