Kodak Vest Pocket Autographic Camera

This camera was made in 1913. It belonged to my grandfather. Very likely he took it with him when he went overseas to serve in The Great War, later known as World War I.

This is a small camera that fits quite nicely into a pocket, as its name suggests. This camera is not in great condition but still not bad for over a hundred years old.

The serial number for this camera is engraved on the back of the metal leg that folds down to support the front of the camera. I think this was the case with all the cameras like this that Kodak made.

The shutter release mechanism consists of the metal bar bent in two places and a lever. Pressing down on the metal part in turn presses the end of the lever and that in turn activates the shutter.

The camera collapses and becomes very compact, easily fitting into a pocket.

The door on the left is held shut with a spring. It can be opened so that the back of the film can be written on. This is where the camera gets named 'autographic.'

This picture shows the camera open with a take up spool in it. The collapsed accordion support mechanism can be seen as  well.

This shows the film door. The inside locking mechanism is visible. On the right is a slotted hole that engages the take up spool for winding the film forward.