Beckel Bros.

American, active 1850s-1860s

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Beckel Bros. are reported to have been photographers in Lockport, New York by 1858. An optical manufacturer with this name in New York City was a partnership of Joseph and Lewis Beckel, founded in 1856. In 1859 they advertised stereoptic goods and "every variety of optical instruments." Stereoviews of Niagara Falls in the New York Public Library's collection are marked with a very small blindstamp on the recto. There is no indication that they were photographers, but more likely publishers or simply distributors of the views. Neither partner was found living or working in Lockport or Niagara. By 1866, the partnership had dissolved; Lewis remained an optician, and Joseph sold corsets and hats.