Rare Antique Folmer & Schwing Graflex 3¼ x 4¼ Wooden Double Plate Holders - Pair For Sale

Rare Antique Folmer & Schwing Graflex 3¼ x 4¼ Wooden Double Plate Holders - Pair

Folmer & Schwing Mfg. Co New York City

Item Overview:

Up for sale is a beautiful, highly collectible pair of authentic Folmer & Schwing Mfg. Co. wooden double plate/film holders. These are incredibly early production pieces proudly stamped with "N.Y.", indicating they were manufactured in New York City right around the time of their April 28, 1904 patent date, just before production moved to Rochester.

These are built with the proprietary side-groove light traps designed specifically to slide into early Graflex SLR and Cycle Graphic camera backs. They are much harder to find than standard 4x5 holders, making them excellent pieces for restoration, display, or active historical alternative-process photography (such as dry plate or modified wet-plate collodion).

Dimensions & Specs:

• Format Size: 3¼ x 4¼ inches (Quarter-Plate / 3x4)

• Total Outer Frame Dimensions: Approx. 6 inches x 5 inches (excluding the wooden pull tabs)

• Manufacturer Stamps: Cleanly engraved with "Folmer & Schwing Mfg. Co. N.Y.", "Graflex", and "Pat. Apr. 28, '04"

Condition Report:

• Cosmetic: Excellent vintage condition for gear that is over 120 years old. The ebonized black finish over the cherry/mahogany wood structure is intact with only minor edge wear and faint superficial scuffs. No deep cracks, warping, or rotting wood.

• Mechanical: The metal hinges, corner latches, and retaining steps are completely intact on one holder
• Loss to back top Frame on one holder as Shown
• Both dark slides pull out smoothly and slide back in securely to seal the light.

• Note: Sold as-is as a historic photographic artifact. They have not been modern light-tested with film.

Shipping & Handling:

Will be packed securely with plenty of bubble wrap to preserve the historic woodwork and hardware. Domestic and international shipping options available