Very early Kodak No. 1 Panoram (Serial #86) pre-production example?

[Woodoo82]

Hello everyone,


I’d like to share some photos of my Kodak No. 1 Panoram and ask for opinions about its very low serial number.


This camera is marked No. 1 Panoram-Kodak, with the Patent Sept. 25, 1894 inscription on the wooden base.
The serial number “86” is stamped into the underside of the wood near the rear hinges (see attached photos).


According to Brian Coe’s Kodak Cameras: The First Hundred Years, production for the original Panoram model started at #101 and continued up to about #11183, before the later Model B version appeared.
If that’s accurate, my example would fall before the official production run — possibly a pilot batch or early test unit.

Details:​

• Model: No. 1 Panoram-Kodak (Original Model)
• Maker: Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, N.Y., U.S.A.
• Patent date: Sept. 25, 1894
• Serial number: 86

All the visible features match the earliest design (wood finish, top latch, and early shutter lever), so I believe it’s not a Model B.


I would be very grateful for any information or confirmation from collectors who have seen other sub-100 serial numbers — or documentation on pre-production Panorams.


Thank you for your time and expertise!




Oliver
Hungary

 

[Woodoo82]

...

 

[AnselMortensen]

That looks more like "38" to me.

Nevermind...I didn't check the high-resolution version before posting.
Mea culpa.

 

[Woodoo82]

It's definitely 86.

 

[AnselMortensen]

Ah, yes. My mistake. On the low-res version, it looks like an upside-down 38.
Cheers.

 

[MattKing]

Posts moved to this focused thread, with duplications deleted.
Welcome to Photrio.
It isn't necessary to post the same information in multiple locations in order to bring it to the attention of everybody, and we ask that you don't do that.
But we do wish you success in your search.
@jimgalli is one member who might be able to help, but I'm aware that their are others.