Kodak No. 2-C Autographic Kodak Junior

Object description

Folding roll-film camera with bellows, a Kodak Anastigmat f/7.7 lens, Rochester shutter, rear Autographic writing hatch and carrying handle. The recorded rear marking reads “NO. 2C AUTOGRAPHIC KODAK JR. USE FILM A-130.” Recorded construction includes metal, glass, leather, leatherette and textile bellows; exterior wear is visible in the supplied photographs.

Dating

c. 1916–1927

Dating evidence

Provisional model production range; individual manufacture date and exact variant unconfirmed.

Dimensions

Physical camera dimensions are not individually recorded. Film format A-130; recorded negative size approximately 73 × 124 mm.

Materials

Metal, glass, leather, leatherette, textile bellows and mechanical components

Identifying marks

Rear marking reported/photographed: NO. 2C AUTOGRAPHIC KODAK JR. USE FILM A-130; Kodak Anastigmat f/7.7 lens and Rochester shutter markings.

Condition

Overall condition: Good (provisional assessment).

Exterior wear and aged carrying handle visible in submitted photographs. Owner reports operating shutter and adjustable aperture, and no visible light leakage during flashlight examination. Lens condition, shutter timing, film transport and photographic performance not independently tested.

Provenance

Acquired through a private sale. Seller reportedly stated that the camera had remained in their family for many years. Earlier ownership, acquisition dates and original user are undocumented; no military association established.

Attribution and authentication

Photographic features and inscriptions are consistent with a period Kodak No. 2-C Autographic Kodak Junior. Components appear period-compatible; originality of every part and exact model variant have not been independently verified. Owner reports functioning shutter, aperture and flashlight bellows test; these do not constitute a film-exposure test.

Historical context

Representative of early twentieth-century American portable roll-film photography and Kodak’s Autographic annotation system.

Curatorial note

The Autographic hatch gave the photograph a written companion: a note added to the negative could retain a name, place or moment. Together with the folding bellows and mechanical shutter, it records an early approach to making everyday photographs portable and personal.

Significance

Representative of early twentieth-century American portable roll-film photography and Kodak’s Autographic annotation system.