J.H. Dallmeyer Stereo Wet Plate Camera

London, England
ca. 1861

Ex-collection Michael Kramer

We see things in three dimensions because we have two eyes.  Beginning in the early 1860s, stereo cameras and stereo viewers became a rage for enthusiasts that lasted for decades.  This stunning mahogany Dallmeyer stereo wet plate camera dates to the Civil War era in America and could be adapted for either wet collodion or later for dry collodion plates.  It has two Dallmeyer stereo lenses, a monocular Dallmeyer lens, its original flap shutter, plate holder, ground glass holder, and an extremely rare wood and glass dipping tank.