Important Antique Photographic Set with Numerous Accessories France c. 1890-95

Important Antique Photographic Set with Many Accessories France c. 1890-95

This important antique photographic set, probably manufactured in France between 1890 and 1895, stands out for its exceptionally complete equipment, the elegance of its mahogany construction and its remarkable state of preservation and functionality. It is one of those sets that astonish by their harmony of technique, craftsmanship and beauty. The camera, made of selected mahogany with solid brass fittings, has an exceptional visual presence, with a noble patina confirming its age while also reflecting the exquisite care it has received over time. Its folding design allows for comfortable transport, something not always found in large format cameras of the period, reinforcing its practical and versatile character for the historical photographer.

The bellows, a key component for proper operation, is in magnificent condition. It is completely light-tight, retains its flexibility and allows real photographic use without any light leaks. Cameras over a hundred years old with bellows in this condition are increasingly rare, making this a particularly noteworthy feature of the set. The rear focusing screen with ground glass, a replacement from the 1930s, fits perfectly and works with precision, enabling a clear and reliable focus as required by professional photographers of the time. The rest of the body, including frames, hinges and guides, remains entirely original, reinforcing the authenticity of the set.

The equipment also includes two wooden plate holders for 18 x 13 plates, both in excellent condition. They add practical functionality, allowing the camera to be used exactly as it was originally intended. Additionally, the set includes a mechanical guillotine or curtain shutter, carefully restored and currently in working condition, offering a level of operational reliability uncommon in equipment of this age.

A particularly rare and valuable accessory is the enlarging adapter for the 18 x 26 format. This component, completely original and crafted with exceptional precision, allows the standard 13 x 18 format to be expanded to a larger size, exclusive to Europe and extremely difficult to find today. Its presence not only adds historical value but also reveals that the camera once belonged to an advanced photographer who required larger formats for portrait or high-quality reproduction work.

The camera comes with two first-rate brass lenses. The first is a Hermagis Opt Fabt Paris nº 12897, manufactured around 1875, highly valued by portrait photographers of the period for its balanced sharpness and smooth rendering between planes, features especially prized in classic nineteenth-century portraiture.

The second lens is a C P Goerz Berlin Doppel Anastigmat F 7.7 Serie III Nº 6, F 300 mm, with two visible serial numbers, 74467 and 22545. Produced between 1890 and 1895, this anastigmat represents a significant optical advancement, correcting aberrations and providing cleaner and more defined images.

The shutter in the set is adjusted to work with both lenses, allowing for quick changes depending on the needs of each exposure.

Altogether, this equipment stands out for both its integrity and its functional capacity. It is a magnificent piece for collectors seeking complete and coherent sets. Its decorative presence is outstanding, making it an ideal piece to enrich a collection, a photographic studio or any space dedicated to the history of imagery. It is difficult to find sets so complete, so well preserved and with such a high level of originality and real functionality. It is a piece that inspires, captivates and demonstrates the excellence of nineteenth-century photographic craftsmanship.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire an authentic photographic set that seldom appears on the market, and whoever chooses this piece will add to their collection equipment that stands out instantly and makes a real difference. The combination of rarity and excellent condition is unlikely to reappear, making it an especially appealing opportunity for buyers who appreciate truly exceptional objects.

Dimensions: 22.5 cm x 28 cm (8.86 in x 11.02 in)

History of Hermagis

The Hermagis company, founded in Paris in the nineteenth century, became one of the most prestigious optical manufacturers in Europe. It produced lenses for studio cameras, travel cameras and scientific instruments, and its reputation grew rapidly due to the exceptional quality of its optics. Hermagis was especially valued for its fast lenses, which allowed shorter exposure times at a period when photographic materials were very slow. The firm competed directly with Darlot and Voigtländer, and became known for producing lenses with an exceptional balance between central sharpness and soft edge transitions, making them highly desirable for portrait work.

Today, Hermagis lenses are highly sought after by collectors and by photographers who practice historical photography and appreciate the unique character these optics impart to negatives. Their optical quality, handcrafted brass construction and relevance in the history of photography explain why Hermagis lenses command high prices and are considered reference pieces in specialised collections.