Scovill Acme View Box

The New Reversible Back Acme View Box, c.1880s

Scovill Manufacturing Company

The Acme View Box was offered from 1878-1891. It is a back focus, cone bellows, folding bed design offered in single or double swing options. The rear standard is square allowing the removable back to be reversed for landscape and portrait orientations. As a note, the revolving back version of this camera was available as Flammang's Patent Revolving Back Camera (rear focusing pattern).

The Acme View Box, constructed of a mahogany body with cherry base and brass hardware, was advertised as being portable and offered in formats ranging from 4-1/2 x 5-1/2 to 20 x 24 inches..

This example is an 8 x 10 inch model with the double swing option, geared fine focusing, and Euryscop IV No.3 lens. The nickel plated maker's label is marked "Scovill Manufacturing Company, NY" implying a manufacturing date in the 1880s. It was advertised for $34 in the 1888 W.D. Gatchel catalogue. This camera would cost about $645 in year 2000 dollars.

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