E.I. Horsman Co., New York, NY
Date Introduced: – ; Years Manufactured: c. 1888-1900
Construction: rear focus via push-pull; single or no swing; reversing by two tripod mounts; three-piece lensboard or no lensboard; ground glass frame hinges down
Materials: mahogany or cherry body (camera in photos is cherry); cherry base; black leatherette bellows; brass hardware, varnish finish
Sizes Offered: Eclipse No. 2: 3.25×4.25; Eclipse No. 3: 4.5×6.5
Notes: According to McKeown’s “Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras”, the E.I. Horsman Co. also sold lawn tennis equipment and bicycles. The “outfit” included a wooden box, trays, chemicals, etc. similar to the “Scholar’s” outfit of Scovill and the “Eureka School” outfit of Anthony. Contrary to the above engraving, many Eclipse cameras, such as the one in the photos, do not have a lensboard. It is evident from the advertisements that there were two styles: 1) cherry wood, no swing and no lensboard, and 2) mahogany, one swing and lensboard. The above camera is the No. 3 size, and is made of cherry, with a lensboard, but no swing.
References:
American Annual of Photography and Photographic Times Almanac for 1890, p. 12
