Electric Ilex Shutter ??????

Looks like a Packard but the stevens plug on the front gives it away as an electric solenoid type shutter.

Kludge or factory?

Anyone have any experience?

Activating a Packard style shutter with either an air piston, or s solenoid is normal. The solenoid versions were more common in graphic arts process cameras, where the lensboard might be several feet away from the film plane. I have seen these large cameras built into a wall, with the film plane side in the darkroom. the Operator sets the exposure time on a dial inside, and pushes a button and this triggers the shutter to open and the lights to come on lighting the copy to be shot.

Thank you Phototone; very much appreciated!