Answer: "Not just yet"

This camera was produced prior to the other Folding Pocket Kodaks "FPK" models, so at first, it had no identifying model number. It was simply called the Folding Pocket Kodak. It would go on to become the No. 1 Folding Pocket Kodak in 1899 upon the release of the No. 1A and No. 2 models. George Eastman did the same thing when he released "The Kodak" in 1888 and the Brownie Camera in 1900. Neither had a model name nor film size designation when first introduced - they wouldn't need one until larger versions of each came out the next year.

Interior of Folding Pocket Kodak showing aluminum and wood construction.

This particular model dates to 1898. The original Folding Pocket Kodak came out in 1897, and had brass, instead of nickeled struts. The brass-strut models are highly coveted prizes for collectors today, but in reality, all early FPKs are significant since these are the cameras upon which fifty or so years of pocketable folding bellows cameras were based.

Like the No. 1A Folding Pocket Kodak in the Collection, this version has a pull-out front and maroon leather bellows. It has a metal 'foot' to steady it for longer horizontal exposures, but lacks a similar piece for vertical exposures.

Left:  No. 1A Folding Pocket Kodak.  Right:  1898 version (No. 1) Folding Pocket Kodak