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live November 21 | 11:00 AM
OstLicht Photo Auction

203 - R.A. Goldmann, Wien | Universal-Detectiv Camera

Starting price

€1,400

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Estimation

€2,600 - 3,000

Sale fees

27%

R.A. Goldmann, Wien | Universal-Detectiv Camera Estimate: € 2,600–3,000 Year: c.1892 SN: 5533 Condition: B+ English: An outstanding example of the sophisticated Universal-Detective Camera for 9x12cm plates, manufactured by R. A. Goldmann, Vienna, during the pioneering period of hand-held photographic equipment. The beautifully constructed ebonized wooden camera features elaborate brass fittings, an extending front section, a large reflex finder, mechanical shutter, original carrying handle and removable ground-glass focusing back. Of particular importance is the extremely early Carl Zeiss Jena Anastigmat Series IV 1:12.5/119 mm, no. 1379, equipped with its characteristic revolving diaphragm disc and original cap. Designed by Dr. Paul Rudolph and introduced in 1890/91, these pioneering Anastigmats represent one of the most significant developments in the history of photographic optics. The remarkably low lens serial number dates from 1892. The camera displays attractive original patina, with age-related wear to the ebonized wooden surfaces and metal fittings, retaining its impressive original appearance. Deutsch: Herausragendes Beispiel der aufwendigen und seltenen Universal-Detektiv-Camera für 9 × 12 cm Platten, hergestellt von R. A. Goldmann in Wien in der Pionierzeit der fotografischen Handkameras. Die hervorragend konstruierte schwarz gebeizte Holzkamera besitzt Messingbeschläge, eine ausziehbare Front, einen großen Reflexsucher, mechanischen Verschluss, originalen Tragegriff und abnehmbares Mattscheiben-Einstellrückteil. Besonders bedeutend ist das außergewöhnlich frühe Carl Zeiss Jena Anastigmat Serie IV 1:12,5/119 mm Nr.1379 mit charakteristischer Revolverblende und Originaldeckel. Diese von Dr. Paul Rudolph konstruierten und 1890/91 eingeführten Anastigmate gehören zu den wichtigsten Entwicklungen der Geschichte fotografischer Optik. Die bemerkenswert niedrige Objektivnummer datiert in das Jahr 1892. Die Kamera zeigt eine attraktive Originalpatina mit Spuren an den geschwärzten Holzoberflächen und Metallbeschlägen und hat ihr eindrucksvolles ursprüngliches Erscheinungsbild bewahrt.

Auction details

OstLicht Camera Auction Autumn 2026
Saturday, November 21
11:00 AM
Absberggasse 27
1100 Vienna, Austria

Auction house

OstLicht Photo Auction +43 6 64 20 11 850 coeln@ostlicht.org
On Drouot for 5 years avec More than 2,000 lots published

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