ENTREKIN'S EUREKA BURNISHER

William G. Entrekin, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1880-1891

Early-style Eureka photographic burnisher by William G. Entrekin of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, circa 1880-1891. Entrekin's photographic career began in 1856, later establishing himself after the Civil War by opening three photographic galleries in Pennsylvania. Many carte-de-visites (cdv's) and cabinet cards can be found today bearing his name.

Entrekin's earlier models employed a single roller in conjunction with a burnishing plate, and he was granted at least four patents for his designs. His advertisements stated that the Eureka could be heated with any kind of lamp such as alcohol, coal, oil or gas; it was up to the user to provide his own lamp. Advertisements for Entrekin's oscillating enamelers and burnishers can be found as early as 1875, and he marketed various models into the early 1890's.

This example is equipped with a 10" roller and weighs about 30 lbs. It's complete with its crank handle and manufacturer's plate stamped "Entrekin's Eureka Burnisher, Pat'd Dec. 2d, '73 and Mar. 25th '79" ( for Patent No.'s 145,161 and 213,641). The unit retains its worn but original enamel finish, and some of its decorative paint and gold leaf accents. Its beautiful manufacturer's tag is still in place.

Entrekin's Eureka, as well as burnishers by other makers are extremely scarce today. Some, depending on the maker and the level of completeness, can be considered very rare.