Even before the photographers learnt to say “cheese”, the Giroux “Daguerreotype” was born. Mind you, this one is the first commercially produced camera in the world. And it dates back to 170 years and was kept in private ownership in northern Germany for generations until now when it readies to go under the hammer.
Come May and WestLicht Auctions will be holding a grand sale bid for this historical piece in Vienna. Believed to be the oldest, the cam is made from a wooden sliding box way back in Paris in September 1830 by Alphone Giroux. And justifying the ‘Daguerreotype’, the vintage piece also bears the signature of none other than Jacques Mande Gaguerre which really adds authenticity to it. A manual written in German accompanies it.
The value of the Giroux is expacted to stat from 200,000 Euros and go on to anywhere around 700,000 Euros. We have no doubt that the expectations with the price will not be disappointed for there are several serious collectors out there who are willing to sacrifice an arm and a leg for this possession.
Via slashgear
