Detective cameras and early portable cameras aimed at amateur street photographers are among a massive collection dating from the 1870s to be auctioned online from next week.
The street cameras date from the late nineteenth century to the 1960s and include a Telephot Button Camera and Wonder Automatic Cannon Photo Button Machine. The latter captured ? and developed – 1in diameter ?button photos? and dates from around 1910.
American detective cameras include a Blair Hawk-Eye Detective model, complete with roll holder.
The gems are among 400 lots from a collection belonging to American collector Eaton S Lothrop Jr who had a strong interest in amateur cameras and died in 2008.
The collection, to be auctioned from 10-30 June, also features classics including a No.1 Kodak camera, Folding Pocket Kodaks and stereoscopic models.
Among the rare items is a Boy Scout camera released to commemorate the movement?s World?s Fair, along with a ?Campfire Girls Kodak?.
Camera historian Michael Pritchard, who catalogued the collection, said: ?As someone who knew Eaton for many years I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work on the collection.
?While it is a shame the collection cannot stay together, I know many collectors will welcome the opportunity to add to their own collections??
For full details of the auction visit www.everardandcompany.com
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