A large 1890s Kodak wooden travel case built for the age of plate photography, when taking a photograph meant packing carefully, thinking ahead, and committing to the moment. The lid is crowned with hand-carved wooden letters spelling “Kodak,” each one individually cut and nailed in place.
It was a working companion, meant to travel, to be opened and closed in the field, to protect fragile glass plates and photographic equipment when photography still felt like a minor miracle.
Open the lid and the interior tells its own story. Compartmentalized sections once held plates, chemicals, and tools of the trade, all laid out with purpose. The original interior surface shows heavy, honest wear, along with chain supports that keep the lid from falling back. There’s even a small surviving key tucked inside, a quiet reminder that what lived here was once valuable enough to lock away.
The sides feature sturdy cast metal handles, reinforcing the idea that this chest was meant to be moved, hauled, and trusted. Whether heading into the countryside, onto a city street, or across town to a studio, this case was part of the process. It embodies the era when photography was physical, methodical, and deeply intentional.
Measures 18” x 27” x 8”
A large 1890s Kodak wooden travel case built for the age of plate photography, when taking a photograph meant packing carefully, thinking ahead, and committing to the moment. The lid is crowned with hand-carved wooden letters spelling “Kodak,” each one individually cut and nailed in place.
It was a working companion, meant to travel, to be opened and closed in the field, to protect fragile glass plates and photographic equipment when photography still felt like a minor miracle.
Open the lid and the interior tells its own story. Compartmentalized sections once held plates, chemicals, and tools of the trade, all laid out with purpose. The original interior surface shows heavy, honest wear, along with chain supports that keep the lid from falling back. There’s even a small surviving key tucked inside, a quiet reminder that what lived here was once valuable enough to lock away.
The sides feature sturdy cast metal handles, reinforcing the idea that this chest was meant to be moved, hauled, and trusted. Whether heading into the countryside, onto a city street, or across town to a studio, this case was part of the process. It embodies the era when photography was physical, methodical, and deeply intentional.
Measures 18” x 27” x 8”
