This is a circa late 1800s (third quarter perhaps?) Queen & Co. studio camera in good cosmetic condition.

　　James Queen & Co. Studio Camera

　　James Queen & Co. Studio Camera

　　Click images to enlarge

　　Description

　　QUEEN & CO. STUDIO CAMERA

　　WOOD WITH BELLOWS

　　FOR LARGE SIZE PLATES

　　This is a guaranteed genuine antique camera. The case is marked "CENTURY" and the lens holder is marked "Queen & Co, Philadelphia" in fancy script. I believe this is the earliest camera I have ever had the privilege of offering. The bed on which the camera operates measures approximately 9 X 21 inches. The ground glass plate at the rear of the camera is about 7 X 9 inches, so it must have been for fairly large plates, I am thinking at least half-plate, maybe whole-plate. I see no mechanism (or where any such mechanism may have been) for a shutter, so I have to presume this was a wet-plate camera. As mentioned the lens tube is marked Queen & Co, and I can say that there is at least one lens within that tube. The set screws for adjusting the focal length work as they are supposed to. I see no holes or splits in the bellows, although as old as they are, I cannot guarantee either that they are light-proof or how long they will last. Although the wood is sound and without glaring defects, expect scratches and minor blemishes consistent such an item which is 140 or so years old. I am not a camera guy, so two things: one, study the photos carefully, as they are an integral part of the description; and two, feel free to ask any questions, and I am try my best to answer them. I cleaned some of the dust off it--it appears to have been stored and neglected in a dry environment for many years.

　　James Queen began the company in 1859, making mostly scientific instruments. An article in Scientific American in 1888 refers to their photography department as "comparatively new." Wet plate cameras started becoming obsolete about 1880 or shortly after that; so if I am right about it being a wet-plate camera, this one probably dates toward the end of that era. However, you camera experts can probably date it more accurately than I can.  What you see is what you get!

　　This camera appears to be in good or very good cosmetic condition. I do not see anything which is broken. However, I do not make any guarantees of any sort concerning the functionality of the camera or other items. It is sold strictly AS-IS, as an historical curiosity. Please note that I sell all mechanical and electrical devices in "AS-IS" condition. Because of their age, even if working, they can get out of adjustment or even broken in transit. It is shipped insured, so obvious damage can be pursued through an insurance claim. You still have a thirty (30) day inspection period, during which the item can be returned for a refund of your purchase price (not to include shipping) for any reason, AS LONG as it is in the same condition in which I shipped it. Damage in transit must be pursued through insurance, not my guarantee.

　　MY PLEDGE TO YOU: no surprises! I will provide high-resolution scans; I will fully describe each item, obverse and reverse, positives and negatives, possibilities, likelihoods, what I suspect, and which is which; and I will provide as much historical context as I can. Now, I believe that the only people who never make mistakes are those who never say or do anything, so consequently, there will be times I am wrong. There, you are covered by my guarantee.

　　MY GUARANTEE TO YOU: I guarantee each item to be genuine as described. After you receive your purchase, you will have a thirty (30) day inspection period; and if you are dissatisfied, simply return the item (in its original condition) for an immediate refund of your purchase price. Furthermore, if in the inspection period, you decide to send the item for expertizing, I will extend the period until its return from the expert of your choice. If it returns with an opinion of not genuine, or of being significantly different from how I describe it, I will also reimburse you for the expertizing fee. Please note that this guarantee cannot be used to return items damaged in transit. Insurance is included in the shipping charge.

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