The camera was made in USA by Eastman Kodak Ltd, post 1910.

This pocket camera is one of a number of objects donated to the Museum by the photography historian Keast Burke. Notes from the acqusition indicate the camera was originally owned by the World War I war correspondent and historian C. W. Bean. The camera was reportedly used by C. W. Bean during World War I including at the Battle of Amiens on August 8th, 1918.

A photocopied note on the object file reads:
'This is the camera which the Australian Official war correspondent, because he was later to write for his Government the history of World War I, was specially allowed by the War Office to carry with him in 1918. With it he followed the Australian troops advancing in the Battle of Amiens on August 8th, Ludendorff's "Black Day" - the advance which began the final overthrow of the German army in that war. Three years earlier its twin brother had photographed the sun rising on April 25th over the Anzac hills, and later the Battle of Lone Pine. That camera was lost during the evacuation of Anzac. It was replaced by the kind loan of a similar one by Lieut.-Colonel (afterwards Field Marshall) Blamey; but the roll of exposed film which it contained was unfortunately irreplaceable.'

[Signed] C.E.W. Bean, 13.1.60

Camera, folding, Eastman Kodak Co. no. 3-A Model C, made by Eastman Kodak in United States of America, post 1910, owned and used by C. W. Bean in World War I.

The camera has a flat rectangular shape, rounded to fit pocket. Exposure 5 1/2 x 3 1/4 "; Kodak automatic lens F7.7; for roll film; with a metal box, black leather cover and chrome plated catches and fittings. Impressed on the inner cover is 'Licensed for use only with Eastman Autographic Film'.

Made: Eastman Kodak Company; Rochester, New York, USA; 1910 - 1918

Used: Bean, Charles; ; 1918

Impressed on the inner cover is 'Licensed for use only with Eastman Autographic Film'. 'Kodak' engraved on catch. Engraved on inside cover is 'No. 3A. FOLDING POCKET KODAK MODEL C. V.S. PATENTS - 1898 to Jan 18. - 1910. A yellow sticker reads 'Serviced by KODAK LTD. LONDON 1951.'

H7592

1910 - 1918

250 mm

120 mm

53 mm