Thornton-Pickard "Imperial" Glass Plate Camera & Tripod - Working Shutter!
General Description
'Imperial' extendable view camera with accordion-pleated bellows, manufactured by Thornton-Pickard, Britain, 1904-1910.
The square camera has an Ensign symmetrical lens and a roller blind shutter. Glass plate size is 3.5" x 5.5". Included film holder holds 2 plates.
Designed as a field camera, it was ideal for outdoor photography and in use during the early part of the twentieth century (1904-1925). It was compact, designed to fold up and was transportable, as indicated by the strap handle at the top of the body. It combined high quality optical instrumentation and craftsmanship, made of mahogany with brass fittings and an Ensign symmetrical f8 brass bound lens.
Physical Description
Square wooden, foldable camera. Black leather accordion-pleated bellows. Brown leather carry strap on top. Brass fittings and knobs. Roller blind shutter. Rack and pinion focus. Ivory round inlay with brown text on top of shutter box. Roller blind shutter with a black tassel attached to ring and string. Ground glass in hinged wooden holder at rear of camera. Text around exterior of lens. Ivory round inlay in right side of rear standard with black text and image.
Additional Information
The camera and tripod are in good condition for its age. The 3rd photo shows 2 screws missing heads; I don't have the tools to remove & replace those, so that's up to you. The shutter appears to be functional at higher shutter speeds. Apparently, it was stored for an extended period set at the fastest shutter speed, so spring tension is poor at the slower speeds. 1/30th sounds reasonable, but you will have to test for shutter speed accuracy.
The lens glass has a small area of separation. Not unexpected given its age.
When closing the camera body, remove the lensboard first and store it in a box for safety. The front is then tilted forward while the standard is pushed reward. This will drop the front standard into its stowed position. The rear is then closed over the front standard. A small clasp keeps it closed.
The tripod uses friction against the legs to hold them in position. The wood has been polished very smooth over the years, so a firm grip is not always possible. One leg is missing its thumbscrew and friction plate, so the last section won't remain extended.
The film holder is in good condition, with a small corner of wood missing; this should not affect function. It slips tightly into the camera back. Be aware that the dark slides do not withdraw completely.
$325 + S/H from zip code 47401. Box will be approx. 20 x 12 x 12.
General Description
'Imperial' extendable view camera with accordion-pleated bellows, manufactured by Thornton-Pickard, Britain, 1904-1910.
The square camera has an Ensign symmetrical lens and a roller blind shutter. Glass plate size is 3.5" x 5.5". Included film holder holds 2 plates.
Designed as a field camera, it was ideal for outdoor photography and in use during the early part of the twentieth century (1904-1925). It was compact, designed to fold up and was transportable, as indicated by the strap handle at the top of the body. It combined high quality optical instrumentation and craftsmanship, made of mahogany with brass fittings and an Ensign symmetrical f8 brass bound lens.
Physical Description
Square wooden, foldable camera. Black leather accordion-pleated bellows. Brown leather carry strap on top. Brass fittings and knobs. Roller blind shutter. Rack and pinion focus. Ivory round inlay with brown text on top of shutter box. Roller blind shutter with a black tassel attached to ring and string. Ground glass in hinged wooden holder at rear of camera. Text around exterior of lens. Ivory round inlay in right side of rear standard with black text and image.
Additional Information
The camera and tripod are in good condition for its age. The 3rd photo shows 2 screws missing heads; I don't have the tools to remove & replace those, so that's up to you. The shutter appears to be functional at higher shutter speeds. Apparently, it was stored for an extended period set at the fastest shutter speed, so spring tension is poor at the slower speeds. 1/30th sounds reasonable, but you will have to test for shutter speed accuracy.
The lens glass has a small area of separation. Not unexpected given its age.
When closing the camera body, remove the lensboard first and store it in a box for safety. The front is then tilted forward while the standard is pushed reward. This will drop the front standard into its stowed position. The rear is then closed over the front standard. A small clasp keeps it closed.
The tripod uses friction against the legs to hold them in position. The wood has been polished very smooth over the years, so a firm grip is not always possible. One leg is missing its thumbscrew and friction plate, so the last section won't remain extended.
The film holder is in good condition, with a small corner of wood missing; this should not affect function. It slips tightly into the camera back. Be aware that the dark slides do not withdraw completely.
$325 + S/H from zip code 47401. Box will be approx. 20 x 12 x 12.
