The Star View Camera shares the same basic body pattern as
the St. Louis Reversible Back Camera (c1885 - 89). Considering
that the Star View Camera was introduced in 1890, it could
have been designed as an improved version of the St. Louis
Camera.
Three design improvements can be found on the Star View
Camera over the St. Louis Camera; (1) Brass posts replace the
heavier wood front standard, (2) A thinner "English" style ground
glass assembly is used, and (3) Inclusion of a three-section bed
with removable front section when using wide-angle lenses. As
a note, the twin brass posts are nearly identical to those found
on The Henry Clay Camera of 1891.
This particular camera is a single-swing, whole-plate example
made of a mahogany body, cherry base, brass trim, red-leather
bellows and reversible back.
The Star View Camera was offered in single and double swing
versions in formats ranging from 4 x5 to 11 x 14 inches. The
version shown here sold for $36 in 1892, or about $683 in year
2000 dollars.
American Optical Company Star View Camera
with Morrison Wide Angle Lens and Red Leather Bellows
Copyright ©2001 by Rob Niederman - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Star View Camera, c.1890-98
American Optical Company, Scovill & Adams Co., NY.