History - Info about Thornward Dandy no 4 camera?

Recently, I picked up a Thornward Dandy no 4 camera that needs some repairs to get it working again. The repairs are almost complete and it should be shooting 4x5 film soon.

I am trying to find some history and information about this camera, but did not find much.

Anyone have a few links to information? Maybe a Montgomery Wards catalog showing this model camera?

It would be great to date this model as well.

Thanks for the help.

hi there

i found some info on collectable blend that says it wsa the same thing as a gem poco
http://collectiblend.com/Cameras/Montgomery-Ward/Thornward-Dandy.html
not sure which one you have but .. here are some links to the gem poco
https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=Gem+Poco&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8#q=Gem+Poco+camera
there are some links to old ads in old catalogs &c

do you have a photo of the one you have ?

good luck with your new toy !
john

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Some photos here: Dead Link Removed

A basic box camera that used glass plates. More power to you for trying to use it.

Very helpful! Knowing that it was made by Rochester Optical as the Gem Poco is a big help. I did find the camera listed in the 1898 Rochester Optical catalog. It appears that it was a pretty nice camera for $5.00.

I had 2 new view mirrors cut today, so I will see if they fit in the space, since they are thicker than the original.

Dan, I read that other thread about the shutter thread. Very interesting and helpful if the shutter cord breaks on this one.

Maybe in a few days it will be ready for film!

David