July Gallery Auction
Lot 29132:
Description
An American-made Argus C3 35mm rangefinder camera outfit, famously known as The Brick. The camera is constructed from black Bakelite with chrome-plated metal trim and a black textured leatherette covering. It is equipped with an Argus Coated Cintar 50mm f/3.5 lens. The front of the lens is marked f/3.5 50MM ARGUS COATED CINTAR and MADE IN U.S.A. with an aperture scale ranging from f/3.5 to f/16. The body features a prominent coupled rangefinder gear and a side-mounted shutter release.
The collection includes a large brown leather equipment bag featuring double handles and brass-tone hardware. The interior lid of this bag contains a zippered leather pouch marked Kam Lung Leather Product Made in Hong Kong. Accompanying the bag is an Argus brown leather ever-ready camera case with blue velvet lining, a small brown leather accessory pouch, and a Walz Coronet C exposure meter in its original red-lined zippered leather case. Also included is a blue Walz camera strap in its original paper sleeve and a vintage white triangular architect or engineer scale.
A historical highlight of this lot is an engraved brass plaque that provides military provenance. The plaque is inscribed: MARINE BARRACKS / SUBIC BAY / JUNE ’60 / 1ST PLACE / R.D. WALTERS.
Plaque dimensions: 3 x 4 inches
Triangular scale length: 12 inches. Pickup is Friday, July 31, from Noon to 7 pm at our facility in Lancaster, OH. Alternate pickup day is available by appointment for a $5 fee per lot or we will provide in-house shipping for this item. If shipping – once packed up we will send you a separate invoice for shipping & handling. Shipping questions: [email protected]. Sales tax collected on this auction. Our warehouse is in Lancaster, OH. If not shipping – pickup in 10 days or we will dispose and you will not receive a refund. AB346
Condition report:
The camera shows cosmetic wear consistent with age, including surface wear to the leatherette and light pitting and oxidation on the metal knobs and trim. The large leather equipment bag shows significant signs of age and heavy use, including scuffing, surface abrasions, and spotting/discoloration on the exterior. The ever-ready case and accessory pouch show moderate wear. The shutter and mechanical functions have not been tested for accuracy, and the outfit is sold as-is for collectible and display purposes.
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