Vintage Lizars Challenge Stereo Camera c1905 #5502

Please note this is on the UK site and listed in GB pounds
Please be aware that customs or import duties may apply.

~ Vintage ~
"Lizars"
"Challenge Stereo"
Camera.

This "Lizars" "Challenge Stereo" camera is in "as found" condition.
The J. Lizars company was founded in 1830 by the optician John Lizars (1810-1879) in Glasgow, Scotland. Its stereo viewers and Challenge cameras were particularly innovative, Matthew Ballantine took over the running of the company in 1882, expansion into photographic items probably date from this time and manufacture of cameras probably started around 1896. In 1913 it had branch offices in Edinburgh, Paisley, Greenock, Aberdeen, Liverpool and Belfast. The distinctive Lizars cameras ceased by the end of WW1.
The camera has a wooden body covered in grained leather, there are no major tears or splits to the leather on the body of the camera, however, there are small areas of loss of finish, wear marks, scratches and scuffs that you would expect from a used item of this age.
The front release catches work as they should and the door folds down well.
The brass fittings have much of their original lacquered finish, however, there is a little tarnishing in places.
There are no splits or tears to the tapered red bellows and they have retained a good colour and the internal dividing septum is present.
The view finder is still present and there are no chips or cracks to the glass.
The mahogany bed has taken on a lovely patina and depth of colour and the applied celluloid plaque with a scale has a good colour.
I have tried to show the condition in the photographs.
The camera extends and locks in to place and the bed winds out and back smoothly.
The shutter does appear to be working, although it has not been tested fully on all settings.
The lenses are marked "Bausch & Lomb Optical Co., Rapid Rectilinear", one is marked "1" the other "2". They have some smears and would benefit from a clean.
There is no cracks or scratches to the glass elements.
The makers and model details are still clear and legible to the applied plaque on the side.
The catch which releases the back works, the ground glass measures 6 1/2 inches by 3 inches and the rear door opens and closes as it should.
The leather handle is missing.
We are not experts in cameras or there equipment so please ask for any information or additional photographs you require before bidding or purchasing.

We take great care to describe our items clearly and honestly as possible, including any faults or flaws that we may see. The photographs form part of the description. Please do take a little time to look at them. They may be enlarged for close-up detail. We are not experts on any of the items, so please be sure to ask any questions you may have before the end of the auction.

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