Vintage \"J. Lizars Challenge\" Mahogany & Brass Folding Camera with Aldis Lens
![Vintage \](img-large/g/D3QAAOSw~OVWuMZd/s-l1600/Vintage-J-Lizars-Challenge-Mahogany-Brass-Folding-.jpg "Vintage \")
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Vintage \"J. Lizars Challenge\" Mahogany & Brass Folding Camera with Aldis Lens:
$275.00
This vintage camera was acquired specifically as an authentic prop for a juried photographic project assignment. It is ready to to be released back into a collection.
Background:The J. Lizars company was founded in 1830 by the optician John Lizars (1810-1879) in Glasgow, Scotland. When he died the company was continued, making eyeglasses, telescopes, microscopes, barometers, thermometers, magic lanterns and slides, cameras, stereo cameras and viewers and binoculars. Its stereo viewers and Challenge cameras were innovative. In 1913 it had branch offices in Edinburgh, Paisley, Greenock, Aberdeen, Liverpool and Belfast.
Matthew Ballantine took over the running of the company in 1882. Expansion into photographic items probably date from this time. Manufacture of cameras probably started around 1896. The distinctive Lizars cameras of their own design ceased by the end of WWI.
Condition:This camera is a beautiful piece of craftsman’s ship. As you can see from the images, the condition is exemplary, even for a vintage mahogany wood body camera of its age. Please view the images to review the condition in the item. There are no holes or splits to the tapered black leather bellows, however, there is some small patches color loss along the edges and corners of the fold.
The mahogany body is free from any major splits or cracks, however, it does have the usual scuffs and scratches you would expect from an item of this age. The wood has gained a lovely depth of color and patina that only comes with age and years of use.
All of the brass work is present without any damage and has retained some of the original lacquered finish. The camera extends smoothly and all of the other slides and hinges appear to be in working order. The camera folds down as it should and the leather handle is well attached and sturdy.
The camera is fitted with an \"Aldis\" Anastigmat No. 2 lens. The iris appears to open and close fine when the lever is depressed. The maker’s plate on the top of the camera and the back read \"J. Lizars, Challenge, Glasgow, Edinburgh, London, Belfast, Aberdeen, Liverpool\".
Great care has been taken to describe this item as accurately and honestly as possible, including any faults or flaws that were seen. Please do take a little time to look at the pictures and read the descriptions carefully. The pictures may be supersized for larger, close up detail. Ask any questions before the end of thesale.
Payment and Shipping
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Paypal is my only method of payment. Please pay within 3 days of the end of the sale, and I will carefully pack and send your item within two days of the cleared payment.
Happy offerding!
Vintage \"J. Lizars Challenge\" Mahogany & Brass Folding Camera with Aldis Lens:
$275.00