Demon Detective Camera

1889

The American Camera Co.

London

England

Lens:

c. f12, 1 ½" two element lens (two plano-convex elements).

Shutter:

Flap type, rubber band powered.

Construction:

Nickel plated body.

Format:

2 ¼" x 2 ¼" exposures on plates.

Focusing:

Fixed.

Attributes:

The shutter is powered by an elastic band, when the flap is fully open the band slips off a hook, the flap then springs back to cover the lens.

Notes:

Address on back of camera: 399 Edgware Road. London.

The Demon was a very cheap and simple hand camera. The camera is placed in a light-tight bag to change plates. A spring on the back of the camera is released to push the plate into the image plane. The price was 5/-.

In 1890 a larger size - the No. 2 - was introduced for 3 ¼" square plates, this had a different profile where the lens tube joins the body.

Despite the manufacturer's name, the camera was made in England. The rear of the camera carries the maker's name: "W. Phillips stamper Birmingham". The patent covering the camera was taken out by W. O'Reilly. Advertisements claimed 100,000 cameras had been made, this must be an overstatement.

References & Notes:

BP 10823/1888. PA 1891, p. cxiv. Lothrop, Century, p. 43.

Illustrations:

Christie's Cat. 11/12/2002 lot 31. Original box and chemicals. Christie's Cat. 7/3/1996 lot 209. Original box and changing bag. Christie's Cat. 20/10/1994 lot 354, 11/5/1989 lot 189, 21/2/1985 lot 62. Larger model.

Company Details:

American Camera Co.

Early Photography