This object is an antique photographic plate holder, a specialized piece of vintage equipment used to hold sensitized glass plates before and after exposure in a large format camera.

The date "Pat Feb 27 1883" refers to a specific patent for the mechanisms that allowed photographers to swap plates or protect them from light.

The 1883 patent: While various photographic patents were issued on February 27, 1883, the most notable for this type of equipment often relates to dry plate systems or specific light-sealing shutters that became standard as photography moved away from the "wet plate" process.

Please review photos for a closer look and for measurement reference. Ships from a smoke free dog friendly home. Thank you!