This camera, serial number 193815, is an example of a relatively rare variant (about 10,000 made) of the prewar Argus A. Serial numbers for this run fall in the range of 19xxxx through early 20xxxx. This variant is distinguished by a decorative round wheel tipped shutter trip lever, rather than the plain bent tip of other Model A cameras before and after this group.

I found this camera in very sad condition. While cleaning it, an entire corner section of the bakelite body that was showing a hairline crack broke free! I almost abandoned it, but then out of sheer stubborness decided to make it a "Project." I glued the body back together, added extra foam to the inside to light proof the cracked area, and proceeded to overhaul the rest. Pressure plate had to be reattached, velvet ribbon light seal in the barrel area had to be glued back in, et cetera. The worn out shutter mechanisms refused to cooperate with repair attempts, so I removed interfering parts and settled on getting it running at one speed, about 1/100 second.
When I was done with it, the camera did not look half bad. So I loaded it with a roll of Fuji 200 and gave it one last chance to do what a camera is designed to do.

On a frigid Saturday midday I went over to the Museum of Transportation to redeem my Gift Membership for the year and to seek redemption for the camera. I successfully made some images, but there was an unexpected light leak in the front of the camera, possibly the velvet ribbon area, that lightly fogged an area of most image frames. Perhaps someday I will revisit the problem. But below is what I was able to salvage from the roll of film.
All images are hand held. Last two were exposed back at home, closeups done by holding a +4 diopter filter up against the front of the lens while squeezing off the shutter at a distance of about 12 inches.

Please click on thumbnails to see enlarged.
All images are ©2015 E.J.Kowalski.
Thanks, Ed