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Cameras/Antique Wooden Tripod

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Expert: - 8/14/2006


Question
I have acquired an old wooden tripod and would like some information on when it was made and what it might be worth.  The tripod has the inscription 'FOLMER & SCHWING MFG Co NEW YORK.' and 'CROWN No 1' on the brass plates on the legs.
The camera platform bottom has "NEW YORK' and 'GB' engraved on the circular brass plate.

My research so far indicates that it was probably made before Folmer and Schwing became part of Kodak in the early 1900's, but I don't know how much earlier.  I also have no idea of the value.

Thanks for any information you might be able to provide.....

Answer

Hello,

This is a generic form of tripod that F&S offered when they first began the manufacture of cameras in the mid 1890's, and they continued to offer them, under Eastman Kodak's control, well into the 1920's.  I say generic because they are virtually identical to tripods made by virtually all the major photographic suppliers during that time.  These are usually impossible to precisely date since they never changed, but at least we know, from the markings on yours, that it must be from the decade 1896 to 1906.  While most other similar tripods would sell for $40-$60 today, the F&S versions normally go for about twice as much due to their history and reputation for top quality.  So you're looking at $75 to $125 depending on size and condition.

Best wishes,

David Silver

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David Silver

Expertise

I'm an expert on all types of antique, classic, and contemporary cameras, as well as the general history of photography. Everything from ancient box cameras to modern single-lens-reflex; from simple Kodaks to sophisticated Leica and Nikon; from glass plates and roll film to movie and 35mm. I can identify and appraise them, explain how they work, and offer insights on their restoration and care. I can also provide historical background on vintage cameras and equipment, and guidelines on their purchase and sale.

Experience

I've been a professional photographer and a student of the history of photography for nearly 30 years. During that time my collection of vintage cameras and photographic paraphernalia has grown beyond 2000 significant pieces. I've published nearly 70 articles in the field, including 16 in the popular "Buying Classic Cameras" series for PHOTO SHOPPER MAGAZINE from 1995 to 1997, I'm currently a contributing editor for CAMERA SHOPPER MAGAZINE and McKEOWN'S PRICE GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAMERAS, and I've written numerous entries for WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA. Portions of my collection have been displayed in museums and special exhibits in the past two decades, and many of the items were photographed as illustrations for books. In 1985 I founded the International Photographic Historical Organization (InPHO), which eventually evolved into its intended purpose as the best first resource for information on the history of photography. I'm also a founding member of several e-mail forums dedicated to specialized areas of photography, and I'm the moderator of the Internet Directory of Camera Collectors (IDCC), which remains the largest and most successful such group in the world. For more information about the International Photographic Historical Organization and its many services, please visit its web pages at:

http://www.photographyhistory.com


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