Do you fancy owning a piece of photographic nostalgia? If so, does an 1865 wooden wet-plate negative box once used by Julia Margaret Cameron of interest to you? It is estimated between Euro 6,000-8,000, with provenance from the Spira Collection.
Or what about a near perfect Hegelein watch camera whereby only three are known to exist in the world, and this camera, no.1011, is for sure the best example. Loose change at an estimated Euro 80,000-100,000.
Or more down to earth, an original Peepshow commemorating the opening of the Thames Tunnel which was planned by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and built between 1825 and 1843, with bidding starting at Euro 300.
All this and more can be found in a forthcoming Vienna auction on 28th May, with lot descriptions here. For me, I think I'll go upmarket, and head for the 1910 Louis Vuitton photographic trunk!
But on a more serious note, many of the Nikon items on auction are donated by Nikon Europe, profits of this sale will go to the Japan Red Cross fund. The recent terrible events in Japan have touched everyone, and collectors worldwide will be excited about Nikon Europe's collection of some unique and historic items.
Hope you find something of interest, and good luck with the bidding!
Photos: Wooden Wet Plate Box, used by Julia Margaret Cameron, twin brass carrying handles, the interior fitted with slots for twenty-four 10 x 12' wet-plate negatives, hinged cover inscribed in ink in Mrs. Cameron's hand with list of contents; This Peepshow is made by 4 panels, when opened 2 peep holes allow one to peep through the length of the tunnel (1840).
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For your information, the Cameron plate box went for Euro 8,500 (hammer price excluding premium). For this, and other hammer prices achieved for the various lots, click on the link here to view the results.