Negretti and Zambra were English photographers and opticians who went into partnership in 1850. They had major photography contracts in the 1850’s and 1860’s that made their work known worldwide. At the same time, they retailed optical instruments like telescopes, microscopes, compasses and surveying equipment, particularly if the instruments were made from brass. As part of their inventory marketed for Victorian era home decorations, they also marketed small working models of such equipment designed more for display than for actual use. This camera is a legitimate quarter-plate (3-1/8 by 4-1/8 inch glass plate size) wet plate camera that was fully functional, but appears to never have been used. The wear on it is light for its age, and the tripod mount and tailboard don’t show the usual scratches and abrasions from use. As to age, very few view cameras were offered by Negretti & Zambra after 1870, as their inventory of other scientific equipment expanded substantially. This camera was likely to have been made in the late 1860’s judging from its style, particularly of the brass fittings, and the bellows style. They moved their store to Holborn Viaduct in 1869; and the lens indicates that address. The camera was either slightly older inventory that was fitted with a newer lens, or the lens may have been engraved at that time. Of the few early cameras made and retailed by them, few have survived or surfaced. And fewer yet are in this state of condition. This is a very rare and highly desirable collector’s item. Though the original partnership was dissolved in 1892, their store continued under the direction of other family members until the mid-1980’s. The item “Negretti & Zambra Wet Plate Camera, London ca 1869, Exc condition for age, Rare” is in sale since Sunday, February 2, 2020. This item is in the category “Antiques\Science & Medicine (Pre-1930)\Scientific Instruments\Barometers”. The seller is “sedonafotopro” and is located in Sedona, Arizona. This item can be shipped to United States.
