180 - Bloch, Paris | Photo Cravate

Bloch, Paris | Photo Cravate Estimate: €12,000–14,000 Year: c. 1890 SN: 144 Condition: B/A English: Extremely rare French concealed camera designed to be worn behind a necktie. The remarkably thin metal body incorporates an ingenious internal mechanism for six small glass plates, which are moved successively into position for exposure. It is preserved in excellent original condition and retains the original horseshoe-shaped decoration concealing the lens, as well as the original pneumatic shutter release with a rubber bulb and four original glass plates. The camera is accompanied by a very finely crafted replica cravat, stamped “PHOTO CRAVATE BLOCH,” which recreates the original way in which the camera was worn and concealed. The Photo-Cravate was introduced around 1890 and is one of the most ingenious and celebrated detective cameras of the late 19th century. German: Exceptionally rare French detective camera. The remarkably flat metal housing features a sophisticated internal mechanism for six small glass tops, which are positioned one after another for exposure. In excellent original condition, with the original horseshoe-shaped ornament to conceal the lens, as well as the original pneumatic shutter release and four Glass tops. Also included is a very carefully crafted replica of the tie stamped “PHOTO CRAVATE BLOCH,” which illustrates the original method of wearing and concealing the camera. Introduced around 1890, the Photo-Cravate is one of the most ingenious, famous, and rarest detective cameras of the late 19th century.