“The camera itself we can devise no means of improving, in point of design, construction, adjustments or finish.”
Gundlach Manhattan (Korona) Catalogue, 1903
Some time after the merger of Gundlach (lensmaker) and Manhattan Camera (of New Jersey) in 1902, the line of Gundlach cameras was upgraded. The largest in the range, the #VI Long Focus and the Special (as in Economy) were produced as the Royal as a limited run of premium quality enhanced examples - the better lenses were offered with it and the quality of fit and finish upgraded. 'Buffalo Grain' black leather exterior, mahogany frame, long bellows and nickel plated knobs,rails and stays.