Historical information

This camera, made by the American firm of Eastman Kodak, was the best-selling folding camera during the first half of the 20th century. This is the ‘autographic’ model as there is provision at the back of the camera for note-taking. This model was made between 1915 and 1926 and it is called the soldier’s camera because of its compact size. Over 1,000,000 cameras of this type were sold during World War One. This camera belonged to C.C. McNeil of Caramut, a town 55 kilometres north of Warrnambool.

Significance

This camera is of interest as it belonged to a person from the Warrnambool district and it is a good example of a pocket camera with note-writing facilities.

Physical description

This is a black metal camera in a rectangular shape with rounded edges. It has three glass apertures and a metal winder. It also has an opening shutter at the back of the camera where notes can be written on to the paper backing of the film. The front of the camera opens and a concertina-like metal attachment affixed to the back of the camera can be pulled out to reveal the lens. This is covered in black leather. Printed information etched into the surface can be found in various locations around this camera.

Inscriptions & markings

Vest Pocket Autographic Kodak
U.S. Patents – Mar 4 1902, May 6 1913
Eastman Kodak Co. Rochester N.Y. U.S.A.
Celia C. McNeil Caramut