Antique & 19th Century Cameras
Antique & 19th Century Cameras
Scovill's Henry Clay 2nd, c.1896-97
American Optical Company, Scovill & Adams Co., props., NY.
Scovill's Henry Clay 2nd was the least expensive camera in the landmark Henry Clay Series and advertised under three names:
• Henry Clay 2d
• Henry Clay Second
• Scovill's Henry Clay 2nd
Although offered only in a 4 x 5" format with a simple Mathein (attributed) shutter, buyers had a choice of obtaining a simple lens or a higher quality "double combination" lens.
This particular camera has the inexpensive lens and sold for $15 in 1896. A model with the "double combination" lens sold for $20. (About $596 or $795 respectively in year 2026 currency).
The back can hold up to three plate holders.
In contrast to The Henry Clay Camera, American Optical's flagship self-casing camera, the 2nd was simpler and positioned to appeal to a low-end amateur market. A review appearing in the 1896 issue of the American Annual of Photography and Photographic Times Almanac notes how the camera was created in response to a "demand for cheaper instruments."
To supply the demand for cheaper instruments the series of Henry Clay Cameras, manufactured by the same firm, has also been extended. The “Henry Clay Second” is not unlike the popular favorite, “The Henry Clay,” and while its finish may not be so attractive, yet one must consider the fact that it is sold for the same price as the new waterbury camera, i.e., $15. It is fitted with all the latest devices, achromatic lens, conical bellows, time and instantaneous shutter with pneumatic release, rotary diaphragms, and rising and swinging front. The Scovill & Adams Co. certainly deserve considerable praise for their enterprise. To manufacture such instruments as these at a price placing them within reach of the smallest wage-earner requires erection of special and costly machinery.
Research indicates that the 2nd was offered for about two years. Its short life span and rarity are good indicators that Scovill & Adams was not successful in positioning the Henry Clay camera series to compete with other low-cost self-casing plate cameras.
Detail of Mathein shutter (attributed).
See also:
• The Henry Clay Camera
• The Henry Clay Regular Camera
• The Henry Clay Camera with custom back
• The Henry Clay Stereoscopic Camera
• Henry Clay Camera Research
• Assessment Of The Sliding Drop-Bed Design
• Timeline of Important 1890s Self-Casing cameras
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