Eclipse Stereo Camera

J.F. Shew & Co.
88 Newman Street, London
Ca. 1890

Ex-collection Thom Bundza

Established in 1849, J.F. Shew & Co. is believed to have been in business until 1920.  The company was best known for developing the popular side-strut designs, which were later copied by French makers.  This stunning example of Shew’s rarely seen stereo camera is crafted of mahogany with folding side-struts that are reminiscent of butterfly wings when closed.  The matching brass lenses do not bear a maker’s name, but the enamel maker’s mark on the camera is quite rare.