Absentee bids let you place your maximum bid on an item before the live auction begins. During the live show, we’ll continue bidding on your behalf up to your max bid — just like leaving a bid with a traditional auctioneer.
When you place an absentee bid, the system sets the current bid conservatively — just enough to keep you in the lead without revealing your full amount.
The current bid shown on each lot reflects all confirmed absentee bids and updates automatically as new bids come in.
When the live auction starts, bidding will begin at the current bid. The auctioneer will continue bidding on behalf of absentee bidders up to their max bids.
Because absentee bids can arrive seconds apart, the current bid you see may not always include bids still being processed. Refresh the page for the most up-to-date information.
For our full absentee bid policy, please click here.
Bidding Quick Facts
How bidding works
All items have a minimum bid of $1.00.
When "No Bids" is displayed, it means no absentee bids have been placed on this item yet.
Once bids are placed, the current bid will be displayed instead.
For more information on the bidding process, please click here.
Bid Successfully Submitted!
Your absentee bid for Lot 001 - Antique Wooden Camera By American Optical Company, Scovill Manufacturing Company, Proprietors, With New York, With Lens (Does Not Fit Camera) And Case From M.B. Loughman Photographic Apparatus, Boston - See Condition Notes was successfully submitted—thank you for bidding with us!
The current bid displayed will not update immediately. You will receive a confirmation email shortly.
You may continue to place additional bids.
For our full absentee bid policy, please review the Bidder Terms.
Confirm Bid
Lot 001 - Antique Wooden Camera By American Optical Company, Scovill Manufacturing Company, Proprietors, With New York, With Lens (Does Not Fit Camera) And Case From M.B. Loughman Photographic Apparatus, Boston - See Condition Notes
Lot 001 - Antique Wooden Camera By American Optical Company, Scovill Manufacturing Company, Proprietors, With New York, With Lens (Does Not Fit Camera) And Case From M.B. Loughman Photographic Apparatus, Boston - See Condition Notes
Pre-Auction Notes: This is an early camera made by American Optical Company and Scovill Manufacturing Company out of New York, manufactured no later than 1889. The camera requires restoration to be usable and has not been film tested. There are losses to the bellows covering, including pinholes, which will cause light leaks. Other general wear and tear to the camera. Ground glass measures 8-1/4" x 5-1/4". This lot includes a lens, but the lens does not appear to fit the camera. Note that the lens has scratches. The lot also includes two plate holders, and miscellaneous loose parts. The camera was found in a case with a paper label on interior from M.B. Loughman Photographic Apparatus, Boston.