Historical curiosities

Olympus Pen camera with original box EE

Olympus is part of a tradition, the Japanese, who led for years the development of cameras, although it currently focuses mainly on the production of medical equipment such as endoscopes

the Olympus Corporation was founded in 1919 by a young lawyer (Takeshi Yamashita) who had no experience in the world of optical or photo . The company got its line of microscopes lifted and allowed the company to expand production to the field of photography. Thanks to hiring Yoshihisa Maitani managed to win the brand in the world of photography

Takeshi Yamashita, founder Olympus

the name of the brand has a histori curious initially Yamashita founded the company with the name. Takachiho Seisakusho (Takachiho is the name of a famous Japanese mountain, according to Japanese mythology, is the residence of eight million gods and goddesses), with this name the founder wanted to indicate that the quality of their products were worthy of the gods who inhabited the mountain. As the intention of Yamashita it was to export their products and in the western world mountain Takachiho was not known, in February 1921 the company patented the Olympus brand (referring to the abode of the gods in Greek mythology).

Maitani, great photography enthusiast, inaugurated the golden age of Olympus creating the famous Olympus-Pen . the goal was to get a cheap camera to this camera should be small innovation means frame (each 35mm negative 2 images were obtained without changing the reel) , together with the target D-Zuiko, got the camera out a real success and camera was so easy to use as a pen, hence its name . Due to the great success of sales of the Olympus Pen, the company decided to expand and in 1964 the Olympus Optical GmbH was established in Hamburg (Germany), where it expands its market throughout Europe

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in our collection we have several Olympus-Pen (ID 4767, 371, 1053, 165.) and a camera Olympus O-Product (id. 370, launched to the market in 1988 in an edition limited to 20000 units) and several posters advertising, as well as several other cameras and even a anagrifo glasses iconic Japanese brand that now parted .

Wirgin stereo camera orange Edixa

Today we tell history a company that suffered the consequences of the Second World War and persecution since its founders were of Jewish origin: the company Wirgin

the company Wirgin was founded in 1920 by four immigrant brothers Poles educated in Germany and Switzerland: Heinrich, Max, Josef and Wolf Wirgin in Wiesbaden (a town on the outskirts of Frankfurt dedicated the pr oduction and import of cameras). Heinrich was then only 23 years old and knew how to use his mechanical knowledge, Josef had the technical part, Max was a doctor in chemistry and was dedicated to export and Wolf was responsible for the financial department.

the company focused initially on plate cameras and large format and produced his first camera in 1927. But soon able to adapt to the changing needs of the market, launching his first 35mm camera in 1935 : the Edinex, also sold by the company Adox as Adox Adrette

One of the first Wirgin in our collection (id 7910.)

now in Germany in 1938, with increasing success of the Nazi party (partly driven Berlin Olympics 36) persecution suffered by the Jewish people was more than palpable. at that time Heinrich and Josef followed the post your company in Wiesbaden, but thanks to the help of one of his employees (Seppl Haas, who was chauffeur, concierge ...) both managed to escape from Germany to the United States through Switzerland before the outbreak . of World War II There waiting for them and Max since 1936

factory of Wirgin went on to join the Adox company forced by the situation that Germany lived in those times s. Unfortunately during the war production company stopped and the factory was partially destroyed during the bombardments of allied forces

After the Second World War Heinrich returned from the United States, become Henry Wirgin and refounding the company Wirgin in Wiesbaden in 1948 incorporated a young designer camera called Heinz Waaske . the company, which soon went on to become the chief designer of the company Waaske was vital for the company and after making improvements to existing designs focused on the launch of the Edixa Reflex (first reflex camera lens company, which was produced in 1954). the success of the products created by Waaske allowed Wirgin the purchase in 1962 of the company Franka Kamerawerk , for which produced several 35mm cameras in Bayreuth / Upper Franconia. Wirgin had great success in selling miniature cameras, positioning itself as an alternativ a cheaper alternative to the Rollei cameras. After the departure of Waaske and joining Rollei in 1965, Wirgin was forced to close the Franka factory in 1967 and in 1968 Henry Wirgin closed its original company (though he continued production . some camera models in a new smaller plant)

Henry Wirgin died in 1989, at the age of 90 years in Wiesbaden. He had not only been one of the main employers in the camera industry in West Germany, but also devoted himself to regain normal friendly relations of non-Jewish Germans with Jewish citizens as president of the Society for the .-Jewish German

Henry Wirgin

Max Wirgin remained in the United States become American importer Exakta cameras and selling photo products through your company , the Camera Specialty company. in fact, his company sold some cameras renamed Wirgin but which had no connection with any factory Wiesbaden

Some of the most successful cameras Wirgin throughout its history were the Gewirette (renamed Adoxette), the Edinex (renamed Adrette), the Edixa (formerly known as Edina), Stereo, the Edixa . 16M or Edixa Reflex In our collection we have several cameras Wirgin:

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Other cameras Wirgin our collection: Stereo (id 292 and 168.) and Edixa (id 2539.)

Wirgin stereo camera Edixa

Today we tell history a company that suffered the consequences of the Second World War and persecution since its founders were of Jewish origin: the company Wirgin

the company Wirgin was founded in 1920 by four immigrant brothers Poles educated in Germany and Switzerland: Heinrich, Max, Josef and Wolf Wirgin in Wiesbaden (a town on the outskirts of Frankfurt dedicated the pr oduction and import of cameras). Heinrich was then only 23 years old and knew how to use his mechanical knowledge, Josef had the technical part, Max was a doctor in chemistry and was dedicated to export and Wolf was responsible for the financial department.

the company focused initially on plate cameras and large format and produced his first camera in 1927. But soon able to adapt to the changing needs of the market, launching his first 35mm camera in 1935 : the Edinex, also sold by the company Adox as Adox Adrette

One of the first Wirgin in our collection (id 7910.)

now in Germany in 1938, with increasing success of the Nazi party (partly driven Berlin Olympics 36) persecution suffered by the Jewish people was more than palpable. at that time Heinrich and Josef followed the post your company in Wiesbaden, but thanks to the help of one of his employees (Seppl Haas, who was chauffeur, concierge ...) both managed to escape from Germany to the United States through Switzerland before the outbreak . of World War II There waiting for them and Max since 1936

factory of Wirgin went on to join the Adox company forced by the situation that Germany lived in those times s. Unfortunately during the war production company stopped and the factory was partially destroyed during the bombardments of allied forces

After the Second World War Heinrich returned from the United States, become Henry Wirgin and refounding the company Wirgin in Wiesbaden in 1948 incorporated a young designer camera called Heinz Waaske . the company, which soon went on to become the chief designer of the company Waaske was vital for the company and after making improvements to existing designs focused on the launch of the Edixa Reflex (first reflex camera lens company, which was produced in 1954). the success of the products created by Waaske allowed Wirgin the purchase in 1962 of the company Franka Kamerawerk , for which produced several 35mm cameras in Bayreuth / Upper Franconia. Wirgin had great success in selling miniature cameras, positioning itself as an alternativ a cheaper alternative to the Rollei cameras. After the departure of Waaske and joining Rollei in 1965, Wirgin was forced to close the Franka factory in 1967 and in 1968 Henry Wirgin closed its original company (though he continued production . some camera models in a new smaller plant)

Henry Wirgin died in 1989, at the age of 90 years in Wiesbaden. He had not only been one of the main employers in the camera industry in West Germany, but also devoted himself to regain normal friendly relations of non-Jewish Germans with Jewish citizens as president of the Society for the .-Jewish German

Henry Wirgin

Max Wirgin remained in the United States become American importer Exakta cameras and selling photo products through your company , the Camera Specialty company. in fact, his company sold some cameras renamed Wirgin but which had no connection with any factory Wiesbaden

Some of the most successful cameras Wirgin throughout its history were the Gewirette (renamed Adoxette), the Edinex (renamed Adrette), the Edixa (formerly known as Edina), Stereo, the Edixa . 16M or Edixa Reflex In our collection we have several cameras Wirgin:

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Other cameras Wirgin our collection: Stereo (id 292 and 168.) and Edixa (id 2539.)

Jules Richard Stereo Camera Glyphoscope

shares of the company Societe Anonyme des Etablissements Jules Richard

collecting shares, known as Scripophily , is the younger sister of philately or numismatics and comes from the English term" scrip" (right to property) in our country this kind of collecting. is quite recent, dating from the 70 This type of share certificate we now have in our collection is issued by the company, action is part of the fixed capital of a company usually not paid but only you can retrieve its value reselling to another investor

Many will wonder who he really is that such Jules Richard, who has been named to multiple viewers of our collection and which we have already spoken in previous releases. Jules Richard was born in 1848 he began his career as an apprentice watchmaker, then became coach of telegraph networks, happening in 1871 to work with his brother in the production of cameras and instruments for scientific accuracy as successor of his father . in 1882 became the President Richard Société de Frères, which in turn became. in 1891 the Société Jules Richard Incredibly, the company is still active and called JRI Maxant since 2008

factory installations Richard

Son countless products made by his company, many of which can be found in our collection : the Glyphoscope (ids 298 and 293.), the display Taxhiphote (ids 7650 and 7651.) the viewer Verascope (id 2336.) ...

But Jules Richard was not only a businessman, since created in 1924 a school that still survives today. Lycee Technologique Jules Richard the idea of ​​Jules Richard was formed in this school workers skilled enough to work in his factory for this, . took in 1922 5 million francs of his own fortune to endow the school funds necessary s, curiously this was year in which the shares were issued, so we believe that both business actions could be related .

RF stereo camera jules richard le glyphoscope

shares of the company Societe Anonyme des Etablissements Jules Richard

collecting shares, known as Scripophily , is the younger sister of philately or numismatics and comes from the English term" scrip" (right to property) in our country this kind of collecting. is quite recent, dating from the 70 This type of share certificate we now have in our collection is issued by the company, action is part of the fixed capital of a company usually not paid but only you can retrieve its value reselling to another investor

Many will wonder who he really is that such Jules Richard, who has been named to multiple viewers of our collection and which we have already spoken in previous releases. Jules Richard was born in 1848 he began his career as an apprentice watchmaker, then became coach of telegraph networks, happening in 1871 to work with his brother in the production of cameras and instruments for scientific accuracy as successor of his father . in 1882 became the President Richard Société de Frères, which in turn became. in 1891 the Société Jules Richard Incredibly, the company is still active and called JRI Maxant since 2008

factory installations Richard

Son countless products made by his company, many of which can be found in our collection : the Glyphoscope (ids 298 and 293.), the display Taxhiphote (ids 7650 and 7651.) the viewer Verascope (id 2336.) ...

But Jules Richard was not only a businessman, since created in 1924 a school that still survives today. Lycee Technologique Jules Richard the idea of ​​Jules Richard was formed in this school workers skilled enough to work in his factory for this, . took in 1922 5 million francs of his own fortune to endow the school funds necessary s, curiously this was year in which the shares were issued, so we believe that both business actions could be related .

Vest Pocket Kodak camera

Kodak Vest Pocket , which is marketed in several models from 1912 to 1937 approximately . We have in our collection with 4 of these cameras in different colors

This camera is popularly known as " Kodak of the soldier" since it was launched to the market shortly before world War I and some of its features were really appropriate for wartime living world: it was folded, small, light and easy to handle. The camera became known under this name in different countries, hence the advertising held worldwide . In your ads Kodak tried to present the camera as a form of distraction and entertainment in hard times experienced in the race. At the end of the war Kodak had sold over 1 million units

One of the peculiarities of this camera is that since 1915 included the system" Autographic" , which allowed write with a kind d and small punch on the negative by a small window. The short text appeared white to the bottom of the image when the picture is positivaba. It was a way to identify, locate and date the photographs . It was not only taking pictures to those closest, but remember forever places or events experienced, this took on a special meaning in the case of the soldiers.

Olympus Pen camera

Olympus is part of a tradition, the Japanese, who led for years the development of cameras, although it currently focuses mainly on the production of medical equipment such as endoscopes

the Olympus Corporation was founded in 1919 by a young lawyer (Takeshi Yamashita) who had no experience in the world of optical or photo . The company got its line of microscopes lifted and allowed the company to expand production to the field of photography. Thanks to hiring Yoshihisa Maitani managed to win the brand in the world of photography

Takeshi Yamashita, founder Olympus

the name of the brand has a histori curious initially Yamashita founded the company with the name. Takachiho Seisakusho (Takachiho is the name of a famous Japanese mountain, according to Japanese mythology, is the residence of eight million gods and goddesses), with this name the founder wanted to indicate that the quality of their products were worthy of the gods who inhabited the mountain. As the intention of Yamashita it was to export their products and in the western world mountain Takachiho was not known, in February 1921 the company patented the Olympus brand (referring to the abode of the gods in Greek mythology).

Maitani, great photography enthusiast, inaugurated the golden age of Olympus creating the famous Olympus-Pen . the goal was to get a cheap camera to this camera should be small innovation means frame (each 35mm negative 2 images were obtained without changing the reel) , together with the target D-Zuiko, got the camera out a real success and camera was so easy to use as a pen, hence its name . Due to the great success of sales of the Olympus Pen, the company decided to expand and in 1964 the Olympus Optical GmbH was established in Hamburg (Germany), where it expands its market throughout Europe

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in our collection we have several Olympus-Pen (ID 4767, 371, 1053, 165.) and a camera Olympus O-Product (id. 370, launched to the market in 1988 in an edition limited to 20000 units) and several posters advertising, as well as several other cameras and even a anagrifo glasses iconic Japanese brand that now parted .

Vest Pocket Kodak camera Autographic

Kodak Vest Pocket , which is marketed in several models from 1912 to 1937 approximately . We have in our collection with 4 of these cameras in different colors

This camera is popularly known as " Kodak of the soldier" since it was launched to the market shortly before world War I and some of its features were really appropriate for wartime living world: it was folded, small, light and easy to handle. The camera became known under this name in different countries, hence the advertising held worldwide . In your ads Kodak tried to present the camera as a form of distraction and entertainment in hard times experienced in the race. At the end of the war Kodak had sold over 1 million units

One of the peculiarities of this camera is that since 1915 included the system" Autographic" , which allowed write with a kind d and small punch on the negative by a small window. The short text appeared white to the bottom of the image when the picture is positivaba. It was a way to identify, locate and date the photographs . It was not only taking pictures to those closest, but remember forever places or events experienced, this took on a special meaning in the case of the soldiers.

Kodak camera panoramic 4

Who does not have an application on the phone to make panoramic photos ? Who has not made any panning in your life? Although this type of snapshots is now on everyone's lips and who else who has less taken his first steps, really is a photographic technique with more than 150 years old

1844 the first panoramic camera was invented, Megaskop on the basis of the daguerreotype. In 1857 a camera is capable of rotating about its own axis patented. In addition, by that date a flexible film that replaced the glass plates used to date and which led to a great leap forward in the panoramic photographs was also created. See a small sample of its evolution throughout history:

1851

1864

1907

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today:

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The American giant of photography, Kodak, also played a role so. in 1884, he created his first panoramic camera, which arrived in Europe in 1900. Precisely in our collection we have one of these models: Kodak Panoram No. 4 manufactured . between 1899 and 1900 only 1900 cameras of this model were made, so they are very difficult to find

The camera body is made of wood and coated leather . the mechanism is based on an oscillating lens within a tube of leather with sharp bends toward the plane of the film, to coincide with the movement of the lens thus & nbsp. , the goal sweeps of 180 and take panoramic views film roll size 103 in addition, viewers are equipped with a . bubble level , essential to avoid errors during the photo shoot in fact, you can take both vertical photographs and horizontal as you can see, the result of the images was pretty good, considering it's been over a hundred years..

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The curious thing is that, at that time, not many knew how to use it, so that Kodak had to teach users to understand the concepts of this new technique, and edited this several books on teaching them to charge the camera, making pictures and images reveal

the company Lomo took in 2010 a modern version of this concept camera. Spinner 360 , which lets you take analog photos panoramic Here you can see the result

Kodak camera Anniversary 1880-1930

camera the 50th anniversary of Eastman Kodak <. strong> 1930 , when American society was immersed in the great depression, Kodak celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gesture surprising philanthropic: gave cameras to 550,000 American children (500,000 in US . and 50,000 in Canada) who met 12 years

The campaign began on May 1, 1930 and lasted just three days (the time it took supplies last). children, accompanied by their parents, had to go to a store Kodak to collect as fantastic gift. No doubt, George Eastman was a man with a marketing mindset, because it is very likely that these children to become loyal and enthusiastic customers of the Kodak brand.

The model was a simple camera box Hawkeye No. 2 Model B mustard and the hallmark of 50 anivesario, manufactured exclusively for this purpose. Along with the camera also delivered a film roll 120 and an instruction booklet . . Below you can see a short video showing this piece and accessories . In the same a signed note by G. Eastman in saying" I want you to be so happy to receive it as we are to give it to you" & nbsp included

It is very difficult to find one of these original cameras in perfect condition. Most market there are quite worn and even I deteriorated, stamped partly torn. It is certainly understandable as its first users were children 12 years. In the photos below you can see the piece we have in our collection, and is, as always, at your disposal

Camera Radio Transistomatic

Transistomatic, a radio-camera manufactured by GEC, . General Electric Co. from 1964, with the participation of Kodak Limited

This radio camera was released to the market as" the only radio that also It makes color photographs," thanks to the camera Kodak Instamatic 100 with flash which incorporates the radio has a range of long and medium wave (1430-1720 kHz) and has speaker. . 8.6 cm in diameter is curious that this radio captured what" gang of Europe" called

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The idea of ​​combining a radio with a camera should arise however in 50s, with the appearance on the market of pocket transistors. Evidence of this is the Harlot chamber (combination of the words" radio" and" camera" ), by Kowa in 1959-60, also distributed by Bell International Corp. under the name of Bell kamra. Our Transistomatic leads headphone connection, antenna and connection to use the external antenna (eg automotive).

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it has been adding camera to various devices throughout recent history, from computers to mobile ... Our Transistomatic is therefore a pioneer in this regard and is considered a rarity for the time it was created.

Kodak camera. 1917 vest pocket

Kodak Vest Pocket , which is marketed in several models from 1912 to 1937 approximately . We have in our collection with 4 of these cameras in different colors

This camera is popularly known as " Kodak of the soldier" since it was launched to the market shortly before world War I and some of its features were really appropriate for wartime living world: it was folded, small, light and easy to handle. The camera became known under this name in different countries, hence the advertising held worldwide . In your ads Kodak tried to present the camera as a form of distraction and entertainment in hard times experienced in the race. At the end of the war Kodak had sold over 1 million units

One of the peculiarities of this camera is that since 1915 included the system" Autographic" , which allowed write with a kind d and small punch on the negative by a small window. The short text appeared white to the bottom of the image when the picture is positivaba. It was a way to identify, locate and date the photographs . It was not only taking pictures to those closest, but remember forever places or events experienced, this took on a special meaning in the case of the soldiers.

Vest Pocket Kodak camera Autographic

Kodak Vest Pocket , which is marketed in several models from 1912 to 1937 approximately . We have in our collection with 4 of these cameras in different colors

This camera is popularly known as " Kodak of the soldier" since it was launched to the market shortly before world War I and some of its features were really appropriate for wartime living world: it was folded, small, light and easy to handle. The camera became known under this name in different countries, hence the advertising held worldwide . In your ads Kodak tried to present the camera as a form of distraction and entertainment in hard times experienced in the race. At the end of the war Kodak had sold over 1 million units

One of the peculiarities of this camera is that since 1915 included the system" Autographic" , which allowed write with a kind d and small punch on the negative by a small window. The short text appeared white to the bottom of the image when the picture is positivaba. It was a way to identify, locate and date the photographs . It was not only taking pictures to those closest, but remember forever places or events experienced, this took on a special meaning in the case of the soldiers.

Hit mini camera (camera Mariquita Pérez)

Today we bring you an exceptional camera in Spanish history, not because made in Spain , if not because it was the chosen by the creators of the famous Mariquita Pérez to complement their works . Yes, as you have heard. Children can now have a Barbie photographer or a Barbie reporter, but as our mothers and grandmothers had in their hands a doll Mariquita Pérez tourist fully stocked with good-ons, like this miniature camera Hit manufactured in Japan

Mariquita Pérez was all a revolution in the postwar years , and was created by Leonor Coello, inspired by her daughter two years, with the intention ng that had a" personality and biography" . It became the most coveted Christmas present for girls of the age. But yes, and ra an object of the moneyed class, because each ladybug cost one hundred pesetas, the basic salary of a worker of the time, while a chubby doll cost hard

So, it's no wonder that these dolls will have a complete outfit with designer dresses with accessories care to detail ... and how not it could be otherwise, at that time, and also enjoyed his own camera. As can be seen in the photographs under these lines

The camera itself is faithful replica of the Hit miniature, created by the Japanese company Tougodo, founded in 1930. This camera (half was also manufactured in the 50s and uses film 17.5mm 35mm). In his time he had a very good acceptance, and was the first of many similar models from other manufacturers for film 17.5mm and 16mm. In fact, Man Hit Chamber popularized for all who used this kind of movie . Below these lines you can see other parts that followed in the wake of the original:

Stereo camera Gaumont Block-Notes Stéréo 45 x 107, 1904

This we week to bring you one of the key pieces in the history of stereoscopic photography: Block-Notes estereo Gaumont, in 1904 , when it began to democratize such devices. This is a folding camera glass plates 45x107 format later became widespread. For its small size, was ideal for taking notes using an image instead of having to write it on paper .

is composed of two metallic bodies joined by a bellows leather and provided two objectives identical focus . for taking stereoscopic views had shutter guillotine with variable speed , very advanced for the time, and . porta chassis plates in the back (you could store up to 12 plates) Among its many attractions, was the mounted automatically at the time of taking the picture, something still rarely seen at the beginning of the twentieth century

in the book Cosmos Photo, New General catalog illustrated 1907 ', described " Le Block-Notes" as the last and most perfect creation of instant photographic apparatus or fixed focus , its dimensions are reduced can be perfectly well in the pocket of the vest

in a notice published in 1904, its visual appearance, cloaking any resemblance to a camera was extolled the Gaumont brand was ahead of his time in another way, and that is that. this machine did not use plates standards, but produced a special that also offered better quality

Notice published in 1904 on Block-Notes Gaumont Stereo

the Block-Notes was one of the creations the French company Gaumont, one company incorporated by the inventor Leon Gaumont in association with engineer Gustave Eiffel (creator of the tower), the astronomer Joseph Vallot and financial Alfred Besnier . Léon Gaumont worked in his youth with Jules Carpentier and Félix Richard (brother of Jules Richard), and although he had important contributions in stereoscopic photography, was also one of the pioneers of insdustria of film.

EstereoLibro viewer viewer Helsinki 1952


This is a commemorative album of the Games of the XI Olympiad held in Berlin in 1936, including tex cough, 100 stereoscopic views and a foldable viewfinder . Covers on this album are lined in fabric and have recesses in which can be stored folded viewer (in the previous saves) and stereoscopic views (on back care).

the 64 pages texts entirely in German, are former boxing champion Ludwig Heymann and deal with the Berlin Olympics of 1936. the texts carry interleaved 8 black cardboard pages with the first 22 stereoscopic views studies conducted by Heinrich Hoffmann (Adolf Hitler's personal photographer) and collect some moments of the fam Bears Olympics held in Nazi Germany: opening ceremonies, Olympic flag, the Olympic Stadium, the Olympic Village, spectators, the Olympic torch, athletes from different specialties, Olympic medals ... 78 stereoscopic views are stored in the remaining part subsequent

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These Olympics controversial would be history by the performance of Jesse Owens or be the first Olympics in which was a relay race to bring the Olympic flame from Greece.

this album was edited by Raumbildverlag Otto Schönstein, Diessen / Ammersee and is a very common object as I remember this kind of Olympic events, as you can see in this other stereoscopic album Olympics Helsinki 1952, which also have already in our collection (id 1490.)

Stereo display case and 165 views of Germany

Stereo viewer Sculturoscope metal coins
stereo viewer of the mutoscope type: & nbsp , the Sculptoscope (id. 2068), made in the US in the 1920s by brothers Whiting . This display is made of sheet metal and cast iron and is driven with a penny coin. It contains within up to 90 stereo views cardboard inside. At the top it has two glass panels to allow the passage of light to illuminate the card. On the right side you have the coin slot
brothers Whiting (Richard Ross and William A.) worked as manufacturers of tidelands viewers from 1900 to 1943. Before forming his own business worked as vendors for Keystone . in 1913 created the American Novelty Company, and began manufacturing the Sculptoscope: stereo viewers for use in arcades or store counters for a penny user could display 15 images. stereo, although the device contained 90 views cardboard. in 1913 patented a first model of vertical box, and in 1922 did the same with the model we have in our collection. in the picture below you can see the patent of the Sculptoscope.
most of these devices used lithographs rather than actual photographs, many of them specially delivered to the Whiting View Company by . Truman Ward Ingersoll (1862-1992), one of the greatest photographers Americans stereo images of the nineteenth century views were pre-cut samples to that fitted in the internal support of the Sculptoscope. viewers were sold in local stores and their stereo views often reminded to the client that should patronize the store.
in the image shown below (taken by itself Richard Ross Whiting) is portrayed the Whiting family having a picnic at Coney Island, near the Ohio (Cincinnati) river.
Stereo viewer US Army - Aerial Fairchild Camera Corp.

Viewer Jules Richard Stereo Verascope

shares of the company Societe Anonyme des Etablissements Jules Richard

collecting shares, known as Scripophily , is the younger sister of philately or numismatics and comes from the English term" scrip" (right to property) in our country this kind of collecting. is quite recent, dating from the 70 This type of share certificate we now have in our collection is issued by the company, action is part of the fixed capital of a company usually not paid but only you can retrieve its value reselling to another investor

Many will wonder who he really is that such Jules Richard, who has been named to multiple viewers of our collection and which we have already spoken in previous releases. Jules Richard was born in 1848 he began his career as an apprentice watchmaker, then became coach of telegraph networks, happening in 1871 to work with his brother in the production of cameras and instruments for scientific accuracy as successor of his father . in 1882 became the President Richard Société de Frères, which in turn became. in 1891 the Société Jules Richard Incredibly, the company is still active and called JRI Maxant since 2008

factory installations Richard

Son countless products made by his company, many of which can be found in our collection : the Glyphoscope (ids 298 and 293.), the display Taxhiphote (ids 7650 and 7651.) the viewer Verascope (id 2336.) ...

But Jules Richard was not only a businessman, since created in 1924 a school that still survives today. Lycee Technologique Jules Richard the idea of ​​Jules Richard was formed in this school workers skilled enough to work in his factory for this, . took in 1922 5 million francs of his own fortune to endow the school funds necessary s, curiously this was year in which the shares were issued, so we believe that both business actions could be related .

Stereo viewer Le Plistero


Wirgin chamber 125 Edixa

Today we tell history a company that suffered the consequences of the Second World War and persecution since its founders were of Jewish origin: the company Wirgin

the company Wirgin was founded in 1920 by four immigrant brothers Poles educated in Germany and Switzerland: Heinrich, Max, Josef and Wolf Wirgin in Wiesbaden (a town on the outskirts of Frankfurt dedicated the pr oduction and import of cameras). Heinrich was then only 23 years old and knew how to use his mechanical knowledge, Josef had the technical part, Max was a doctor in chemistry and was dedicated to export and Wolf was responsible for the financial department.

the company focused initially on plate cameras and large format and produced his first camera in 1927. But soon able to adapt to the changing needs of the market, launching his first 35mm camera in 1935 : the Edinex, also sold by the company Adox as Adox Adrette

One of the first Wirgin in our collection (id 7910.)

now in Germany in 1938, with increasing success of the Nazi party (partly driven Berlin Olympics 36) persecution suffered by the Jewish people was more than palpable. at that time Heinrich and Josef followed the post your company in Wiesbaden, but thanks to the help of one of his employees (Seppl Haas, who was chauffeur, concierge ...) both managed to escape from Germany to the United States through Switzerland before the outbreak . of World War II There waiting for them and Max since 1936

factory of Wirgin went on to join the Adox company forced by the situation that Germany lived in those times s. Unfortunately during the war production company stopped and the factory was partially destroyed during the bombardments of allied forces

After the Second World War Heinrich returned from the United States, become Henry Wirgin and refounding the company Wirgin in Wiesbaden in 1948 incorporated a young designer camera called Heinz Waaske . the company, which soon went on to become the chief designer of the company Waaske was vital for the company and after making improvements to existing designs focused on the launch of the Edixa Reflex (first reflex camera lens company, which was produced in 1954). the success of the products created by Waaske allowed Wirgin the purchase in 1962 of the company Franka Kamerawerk , for which produced several 35mm cameras in Bayreuth / Upper Franconia. Wirgin had great success in selling miniature cameras, positioning itself as an alternativ a cheaper alternative to the Rollei cameras. After the departure of Waaske and joining Rollei in 1965, Wirgin was forced to close the Franka factory in 1967 and in 1968 Henry Wirgin closed its original company (though he continued production . some camera models in a new smaller plant)

Henry Wirgin died in 1989, at the age of 90 years in Wiesbaden. He had not only been one of the main employers in the camera industry in West Germany, but also devoted himself to regain normal friendly relations of non-Jewish Germans with Jewish citizens as president of the Society for the .-Jewish German

Henry Wirgin

Max Wirgin remained in the United States become American importer Exakta cameras and selling photo products through your company , the Camera Specialty company. in fact, his company sold some cameras renamed Wirgin but which had no connection with any factory Wiesbaden

Some of the most successful cameras Wirgin throughout its history were the Gewirette (renamed Adoxette), the Edinex (renamed Adrette), the Edixa (formerly known as Edina), Stereo, the Edixa . 16M or Edixa Reflex In our collection we have several cameras Wirgin:

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Other cameras Wirgin our collection: Stereo (id 292 and 168.) and Edixa (id 2539.)

Old film projector Skob

spotlight Skob , a film projector patented by José Escobar creator of very famous characters like Zip and Zap or Carpanta

José Escobar was born in Barcelona in 1908 and from very young took to the drawing and humor. began publishing his cartoons in 1922 and is the creator of comic have fun with children and older generations

Escobar was also interested in the cartoon and in 1933 undertook the adventure of a cartoon tale conceited little rat took 18 months to make the film, about 180 meters. which unfortunately disappeared in the Civil War assume that this first experience with animation inspired him in his later work as an animator and also in his role as inventor .. José Escobar created and patented in 1942 this children's projector reflection image , popular in the 50s, with animated films featuring their most popular characters.

Kodak piggybank

piggy bank Kodak , manufactured by the company J & ; E Stevens Cromwell, Connecticut

This American company is known for being the first and largest American company specialized e n manufacture of toys and cast iron products . The J & E Stevens was founded in 1843, with 2 or 3 workers in 1870 and manufactured over 1000 different items and had a hundred workers. This company was the first to produce the now famous mechanical piggy banks , in which the currency triggering certain movements that were the delight of young and not so young, but also patented and manufactured moneyboxes fixed all types

The piggy bank that has become part of our collection it is 1905 and appeared in the catalog of 1906 the company . in the catalog of 1907 the bank was for sale without design modifications. Interestingly, in later catalogs the bank was exactly the same, but replacing the word" Kodak" with" Coin" , since the apparently Eastman sued the company and ended its business relationship and production of the bank with the name Kodak

As you can see the bank it is cast iron and nickel is widely decorated with elegant floral designs. The slot is at the top and hidden by the handle. At the bottom of the bank can be read" Patent Pending 1905"

the promotional money boxes like this were popular from the beginning of the twentieth century. For example companies like General Electric encouraged his clients to save to buy their fridges with piggy banks that had precisely that way

it seems incredible that makes over 100 years a company like Kodak was already so aware of the importance of indirect marketing . Eastman was able to create not only a brand, but a way of life . He managed to popularize photography, reaching every corner of the home with objects as we occupy today.

Camera 1880 Houten minutera Rulex

minutera AMARA Houten Rulex over a hundred years old . This piece dates from about 1880 and there are very few in the world. Indeed, at that time the minutera photograph emerged as an alternative to the photography studio, which was then much more expensive, accessible only in big cities and only for class moneyed.

Thanks to these artifacts, photography became squares, walks and even remote villages, and their neighbors could be photographed and thus keep memories of their loved ones . timer photographer was photographer of the poor

The minutera camera consists of a wooden box that serves as a camera and portable laboratory . In most cases, the photographer himself manufactured or create sent a carpenter, so have a high value today. This allowed contraption perform insitu . negative photograph and positive in black and white in just 7-10 minutes

technical it was very simple . The camera had a set of lenses with the corresponding diaphragm. The shutter triggering well with a trigger or manually with a front cover. We have in our collection is very simple: it has a viewfinder at the top through which the photographer controls the entire process of processing and printing. It has two small doors, one discovers a red crystal that sunlight passes safely to complete the development process, and lower door opens a compartment where small buckets of the developer and fixer are placed. Washing the paper is carried outside the wooden box

process is quite fast : photographer minute first take a portrait in negative, then photograph it, and so positivar image. Although today the minutera photography is something of the past, still has followers among fans of traditional crafts. Thus, in the following video you can see how still use this technique, for example, at weddings and other events:

Camara Bencini Comet

This we week to show you a single camera as it probably was manufactured under order a client by CMF Bencini is a Bencini Comet. using film 127

In his clothing, 2 cameras joined to the model . Original Comet II in order to create a stereoscopic camera The original model was manufactured around 1951 in Italy

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The house Bencini was founded with the name ICAF in 1937 in Milan, by Antonio Bencini. Shortly after World War II the company name changed to CMF and later in 1946 the company name changed to CMF Bencini, going from early 50s to Bencini SPA the Italian brand continued to design and manufacturing cameras prestige until 1984 , time after which became Cafer Ltd.

Polemoscopio house Van Cort bronze and wood

Polemoscopio manufactured by house Van Cort made of wood and brass, measuring approximately 8,9x2,5x5

The peculiarity of this little contraption is that we lets you see objects that are hidden from our direct view . The main part of this instrument is an inclined mirror, which sends to the eye of the viewer image of the object, either directly or reflected in another mirror located elsewhere on the structure.

This kind of products, also known as " jelousy glass" was invented by the German-Polish astronomer Hevelius in 1637 . Hevelius believed at first that his invention could have military use (hence the name, which refers to the word" war" in Greek: polemos).

As can be seen in the superior engraving, this contraption made on a larger scale could be used to control the enemy and directing artillery fire, but the angle was too narrow and the invention was adopted new uses

During S XVIII product became popular as a device to observe others discreetly . in fact, it was common for people to take polemoscopio to places like opera, but not to see the show but to look furtively to other viewers. < / font>

This type of optical objects evolved and personalizing somehow , as shown in these examples: a polemoscopio which included a compass on the top and a manicure set for men inside and another designed for the female audience, which included a pillbox under the lid and . mini perfume bottle

Camera Plastic Industries Madel A-1

The Madel .

This camera model bakelite, Spanish-made, was recorded as industrial model in 1949 and the price was ... 120 pesetas

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One of the curiosities of this camera model is the trigger, which is at the bottom

The camera Madel was made by a famous brand of toys, which subsequently produced toy camera splashing water , both the target and the back

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The company Madel (acronym for Manufacturing Delgado) was engaged in the manufacture of all kinds of objects made of plastic ... And yes, if you are in other possible thinking items manufactured by the Madel brand are right, is the same brand that you created in the 60s archiconocidos Madelman , inspired by the American GI Joe, whose design for the company Madel had the sculptor Alfonso Diaz

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Royal Mail Stamp Camera

Royal Mail Stamp camera, a camera with multiple target 1907/8

studio cameras include four objectives by Disdéri, inventor of the carte de visite, spread thanks to the multiple objectives impressed on the plate four equal negatives agilizaban laboratory work. Prior to the production of our camera, a from the 1880s, put fashion production of small photographs that mimicked small labels, as they did and cameras like the Holborn, 9 goals . the same procedure was retaken a century later by Polaroid for four photos passport size at a time instant .

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Instead our camera goes even further, since it was manufactured by Williams Butcher & Sons of London. with 15 goals the 15 shutters are actuated simultaneously and within the body of mahogany is compartmentalized like 15 small cameras gathered it were

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Plate with 15 shots positivaba on paper manufactured by the same house , prepunched, so that the images were in a statement that could easily be separated, leaving the jagged edges as seals as you can see in this image

Mackenstein viewer mahogany and Autochrome 9x12

autochrome (autochrome in French) : a photographic technique patented in 1903 by the brothers Lumière , and marketed from 1907 by several manufacturers. In fact, it was the only color process until 1935, when Kodachrome (the first type of color film diapostiivas marketed on a large scale) became popular. In Spain its use is known by the likes of Santiago Ramon y Cajal, circa 1911

The viewer we have in our collection is Mackenstein , a company founded in 1872 and also performed several patents related to these plates autochrome and other photographic materials and is accompanied by a plate autochrome in which it shows a couple holding hands

the autochrome consisted roughly of coating a glass plate on which previously provided the image in black and white with a mixture colored layer equal parts of potato starches dyed red, violet and green. It should be borne in mind that, to the treated glass influences the display light incident on the slide, which gives a luminosity varied and life. For these reasons, the autochrome plates are unique, because there are no negatives for copies, if not positive plates which are transparent.

Contura Stereo Camera

. the stereo camera Contura mid '50s

This camera so exclusive was manufactured by the company Stereo Corporation , which & nbsp contacted; Seton Rochwite to commission the creation of this special stereo camera. Seton had achieved some popularity thanks to the invention of the camera Stereo Realist , a camera that began selling in 1947 and was responsible for the boom of the stereo in the early '50s. Incredibly, the Stereo Realist was not a work commissioned by a company, but relied on a camera he had built for his personal use for their love of stereoscopic photography.

Seton Rochwite with the first prototype Re Stereo camera alist

the company Stereo Corporation was confident that the knowledge and experience of Rochwite would lead to a new generation of stereoscopic cameras and worked with the industrial designer Brooks Stevens (who also designed boats and cars like the Excalibur) to shape the Contura, with details of refined design as the line golden that runs along the front of the camera: controls were oriented so that on a sunny day if the line lined gold would result in a perfectly focused image

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Unfortunately for the company, the camera came to market too late, when Kodak had already flooded with stereoscopic cameras not too expensive and when the boom in this type of photography had already started off at the view. sold only 130 cameras at a price of $ 100 .

Aerial camera-gun 'Type 89' Konica (Konishoruko)

camera-machine gun training 'Type 89' manufactured by Konishiroku (later known as Konica) and used during World War II . In previous releases we speak of aerial cameras used by aircraft of the Allied side during the war. Here, we bring you an original piece used by the Japanese bombers as a training tool for pilots

Specifically, this model was manufactured in 1929 when four experimental chambers were created. In fact, the name" Type 89" refers to the year 2589, in the Japanese calendar equivalent to 1929. Only were manufactured 3,420 of these cameras .

This type of camera differs from combat in the latter were used to confirm the deaths of the pilots, while training, were used for evaluate the aim gunners battle . These particular guns were mounted on airplanes, as if it were a weapon. Thus, when the trigger is actuated," shoot" camera and taking pictures of 18x24mm . On 35mm film

As a curiosity, which account this camera-machine gun was used to train gunners in the famous Zero fighter , the warplane most powerful and star of the Japanese Navy in World war II World. Was the plane that bombed Pearl Harbor

So once the training mission, revealed the film and the aim was evaluated before the real battle in the air. Only when the riders dominated the camera 'Type 89' they were sent into battle. L a camera could be installed either within the plane, controlled by gunners, and outside of the same, operated remotely by wires.