Blair Camera Co.

English Compact Camera, Reversible Back

Date Introduced: - ; Years Manufactured: c.1888-1898
Construction: front focus (gears internal to base); single or double swing; reverse by removable back; three-piece lensboard
Materials: mahogany body; mahogany base; black fabric bellows; brass hardware; French polish shellac finish
Sizes Offered: 1406A=3.25x4.25; 1407A=4x5; 1406=5x7; 1407=5x8; 1408=6.5x8.5; 1409=8x10 (illustrated; with 10x12 patent extension); 1410=10x12
Notes: English compact style - well named.  8x10 version in photos above; 6.5x8.5 version below.  Note that the photographed cameras are essentially identical, except for size.  The engraving differs, though, in that its top cross-bar on the front standard is wooden, not brass, and its back brace is place higher on the body.  This appears to be the only engraving used for the model, and might have been an early version.  There is a photo of a camera more like (but not identical to) the engraving at http://www.eastman.org/fm/mees/htmlsrc/mB63500001_ful.html#topofimage.
References:
Oscar Foss (San Francisco) Catalog, 1890, p. 7-8
Anthony's Photographic Bulletin XXV No. 5, May 1 1894, p. xi
Illustrated Catalogue and Price List of Photographic Apparatus and Supplies, Blair Camera Co. (Boston, MA), pp. 6-7

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