History - Info about Thornward Dandy no 4 camera?

[rrunnertexas]

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.

 

[removed account4]

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

 

[Dan Fromm]

(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.

 

[rrunnertexas]

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