Vintage Rare Anson Kent Cross Camera Obscura or "Vermeer's Camera". c. 1930

Description

This is a beautiful early model of an
Anson Kent Cross (1862-1944) Camera Obscura or "Vermeer's Camera".  This camera was referenced i
n a publication listing
22 of Cross' inventions
. The camera you are viewing is marked "Patent Applied For" on the "typed" attached label. The camera was granted a patent on September 18, 1934.
Later models of Cross' camera have a more professional label applied to the sides. Ours has a hand typed label. It appears that the wording was still being refined. The wording on this label is less finished than wording seen on later models. We believe this model to be a pre-patent early prototype. There is a #3 written in pencil on the bottom. It is possible that this could be the third prototype produced. We can't say for sure. See pictures for a label comparison.
The cameras were used in a course in "Vision Training" at his Anson K. Cross Art School. This school offered summer classes and home study courses from Boothbay Harbor, Maine in the 1930s and 1940s. This instrument does not have the feel of mass production and clearly appears to be handmade.
It measures 8-3/16" x 7-7/16" x 5 -1/2".
This camera is in excellent condition. All mirrors and screws and hinges and other hardware are all original. The mirrors and lenses show normal wear given the age of the camera. This is a beautiful early model of Vermeer's Camera by Anson Kent Cross.
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Please view the pictures/scans. They are of the actual item up for sale and are provided in part to show the quality of the piece. Try and keep the age of the offering in mind when developing your expectations. All things age in their own way. We are always happy to try and answer any questions you may have.
Thanks for viewing our posting. We are two retired women having fun discovering treasures. Since we are two old ladies, we know a little about a lot of things, but as the saying goes not a lot about anything. We do not claim to be experts. We do our best to describe the quality and condition of everything listed. Visit our store to see our other listings.
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