Ansco Memo (1st Model) - 35mm Half-Frame Camera with Bausch & Lomb Anastigmat Lens Analogue camera

Up for auction is a rare, fascinating and extraordinary pre-war high-collectibility box camera: the Ansco Automatic, produced in the United States from the late 1910s to the early 1920s.

The lot presents in good overall vintage condition, with functional manual mechanical movements, and is enhanced by its precious American Bausch & Lomb lens and a pair of original internal metal film spools.

Optics: The camera is equipped with its splendid and renowned original Bausch & Lomb Anastigmat lens mounted on an integrated circular central shutter. The lenses show no deep scratches or traces of internal mold or fungus; only a normal, widespread and light vintage patina due to the passage of time, entirely physiological for a piece over a century old of this era. The inscriptions engraved on the front barrel and the outer iris diaphragm scale are sharp and perfectly legible.

Mechanical: The lot is functional at the level of manual mechanical operation.

Aesthetic: Good overall vintage condition, as documented by close-up photographs. The solid and robust vertical wood-and-metal structure well preserves its original textured black leather covering, showing the classic and fascinating signs of time, mild surface dulling, and a magnificent historic patina. The splendid and elegant gold riveted logo on the front

Tracked international shipping, fully insured and professionally super-protective packaging to ensure maximum safety during transit.