Jeffrey & Wishart's Patent Camera

c. 1892

Lens:

f12.5, c. 7 ⅞" landscape, wheel stops without markings.

Shutter:

Rotary sector, spring powered.

Construction:

Mahogany body, square cornered leather bellows, brass fittings.

Format:

3 ¼" x 4 ¼" exposures on plates held in double dark-slides.

Focusing:

Fixed.

Attributes:

Removable reflecting view-finder by T.T.H.

Notes:

The lens/shutter is described in Sharp & Hitchmough and Adams & Co. advertisements in the BJA 1892. The focal length is given as about 7 ¾" with an aperture of 9/16". The finder is similar to that shown in the T.T.H. advertisement in the BJA 1892.

With:

1 double dark-slide. Negative showing a motor cycle and rider.

The body and bellows are similar to those of Shew Eclipse cameras. This camera though has the front standard held by struts at the top and a small U shaped baseboard at the bottom. The 1892 patent of Jeffrey and Wishart shows a similar camera.

Jeffrey & Wishart were for a short time listed as camera makers, their premises were later occupied by James Moore, optician, who sold the camera as the Flying Shot. Wishart was later co-patentee of the Mackenzie-Wishart film holder.

References & Notes:

BP 941/1892. BJA 1892, pp. 321, 1044, (lens), 210 (finder).

Illustrations:

Christie's Cat. 9/5/03 lot 240. The Flying Shot by James Moore. Glasgow.

Early Photography