American Optical Camera and Tripod;Camera and Tripod

From Mattatuck Museum

American Optical Company (created by)
Mattatuck Historical Soc (owned by)
Scovill Company (associated with)

(Date manufactured/created
Date manufactured/created)

Wood, brass, leather, Wood, brass, leather

Photography, Photography

8 in. H X 12 in. W X 9 in. D
8 in. H X 12 in. W X 9 in. D Measurement Notes:

Scovill Manufacturing Company began producing Daguerrean silvered copper plates only three years after Louis Daguerre announced his revolutionary process to the world in 1839. Scovill established a warehouse store in New York City in 1846. The store expanded to include imported photographic equipment, and sold products at wholesale and retail prices. Scovill’s interest in the photography market led them to purchase American Optical Company, maker of box cameras and stereoscopic viewers and equipment, in 1867.

American Optical was founded in New York City in 1858. From 1867 to 1902, American Optical continued to manufacture cameras for Scovill.

Accession/ID Number X71.58 a-d

Classifications