$646
Two Disguised Squirt Cameras by DeMoulin & Bros. , Greenville, Illinois, late 19th century, one modeled after a daguerrian camera with dummy lens dousing the sitter when pneumatic bulb is pressed; the other of similar design, with black paper-covered body and label with operating instructions. Note: The firm DeMoulin & Bros. seems to have specialized in producing joke apparatus of this type, including exploding telephones and portraits that appear to come alive when looked upon. The directions recommend placing a suitable caricature in the slide holder (not present), which is then revealed to the sitter after his "photograph" has been taken. See Lot 564A for an exploding telephone by the same maker.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2007-10-28
