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 is marked "W. Phillips stamper Birmingham", the maker of the camera. 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:

Christies Cat. 11/12/02 lot 31. Original box and chemicals.; Christie's Cat. 7/3/96 lot 209. Original box and changing bag.; Christie's Cat. 20/10/94 lot 354, 11/5/89 lot 189, 21/2/85 lot 62. Larger model.

American Camera Co Company Details

Early Photography