Burke & James Camera ID?

[bliorg]

Hi, all -

Recently picked this guy up. Was cheap, as it had no back. Conveniently, I had one that would fit with a little work. However, I'm trying to conclusively ID this model. Looks very much like a Watson Portrait (https://www.piercevaubel.com/cam/misc/bjwatson.htm), though with some variations.

While the brightwork is correct, and is the only model I can find with this design hardware, this camera does not have front swings. It does have the metal brace on the top of the front standard (missing on the catalog image). The name plate is missing, and appears to never had had one, as there're no holes or patches (this era cam almost always had the name plate pinned in place). This has the B&J stamp on the shift brace on the front standard. So, I'm not sure.

I know a lot/most of these cameras, from all manufacturers, had a bunch of variants throughout their production years, largely undocumented a hundred years later. Have gone down the 2:00 am google image search rabbit hole a couple times just looking for something; figured I'd check the brain trust here. Anyone seen this before? I'm very happy with the purchase, and the progress on the project. Looking forward to shooting 5x7 again. And truth be told, I'm really just curious about the history.

Thanks,
Scott

 

[AnselMortensen]

Well, it is NOT a Rembrandt Portrait.

 

[bliorg]

Yep. Process of elimination helps. Thanks.

 

[Rick A]

It's a nicely refinished Rembrandt.

https://www.cameraeccentric.com/static/img/pdfs/bj_1.pdf

 

[bliorg]

It's a nicely refinished Rembrandt.

https://www.cameraeccentric.com/static/img/pdfs/bj_1.pdf

This? Respectfully, no.

 

[Tel]

Tis looks very much like a Watson I had. Mine had the name plate on the rear standard, so there was no issue with identification. And I no longer have the camera, so can’t compare it but if memory serves, this is the spitting image of it.

 

[bliorg]

Tis looks very much like a Watson I had. Mine had the name plate on the rear standard, so there was no issue with identification. And I no longer have the camera, so can’t compare it but if memory serves, this is the spitting image of it.

That’s what I thought, too. But, every single one I’ve found has front swings, and none has the metal brace at the top of the standard. Doesn’t mean there’s not an earlier/later variant, but I just haven’t found anything concrete.

 

[Rick A]

I'm wondering if this might be a "Frankencamera", I 've seen a 1938 B&J catalog the only camera that resembles yours is a 4x5 Korona. Is it possible you have the rear from a Korona jiggered onto the B&J, or maybe even a Korona with a B&J name plate since they listed them in their catalog.

https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/rl/02709/02709.pdf

 

[bliorg]

Yeah, I don’t think so. I’ve seen (and made) enough modded view cameras to be able to spot them. The wood, metalwork, finish, everything, is entirely consistent throughout. There are a couple small, very amateurish repairs, but no way this is cobbled.

 

[Rick A]

Click on the link I supplied, 1938 B&J catalog page 19 shows a Korona View 4x5 that mostly matches your camera. I wonder if they put their label on them.

Doing some deep digging I found this 5x7 Watson;

Vintage Watson Burke & James Wood 5x7 Folding Camera W/ Heliar 18cm Lens Signed - Etsy

This Cameras & Imaging item is sold by Letstalkantique. Ships from Chandler, AZ. Listed on Mar 8, 2025

www.etsy.com

 

[bliorg]

Agree, looks just like the Watson Portrait, which was (and is still) what I suspect it is. But, the link still shows swings and no brace on the standard, both of which are different from my example. I’m guessing now earlier variant.

 

[Tel]

Definitely not a Korona. I have several and have owned up to six at one time, and every one had a distinctive design of the brackets at the top corner of the rear standard: the Koronas all tapered to a point; none had a straight edge. And the arms that support the rear standard are wrong for a Korona—the rearward turn at the top of the arm says “Watson”. I suspect you have a variant here—B&J may have made these to special order for certain customers, like the government. Another case in which the Watson nameplate may have been left off.

 

[bliorg]

Definitely not a Korona. I have several and have owned up to six at one time, and every one had a distinctive design of the brackets at the top corner of the rear standard: the Koronas all tapered to a point; none had a straight edge. And the arms that support the rear standard are wrong for a Korona—the rearward turn at the top of the arm says “Watson”. I suspect you have a variant here—B&J may have made these to special order for certain customers, like the government. Another case in which the Watson nameplate may have been left off.

Yeah, I agree. Again, just curious In general. The camera’s probably the nicest tailboard I’ve had. Nice selection of movements and really nice shape. And cheap. Back is essentially done - about to grind a new glass. Bellows will get patched for now. Film in the freezer. Need a few more holders and some lensboards. But, the camera has a name now. All good. Thanks!