This is a very rare complete camera with accessories dating from around 1892 with the unusual provenance of a diary/notebook kept by the original owner detailing its purchase and its features. First, the camera itself is really stunning and undamaged apart from a little cosmetic damage at the back which has resulted in the name plate having been lost as shown. It is a 1/2 plate camera with double book style dark plate holders taking plates of 6.5 x 4.75 inches or, using the adapters included, 1/4 plates at 4.25 x 3.25 inches. It is in a custom built case in which I found the notebook/diary kept by the original owner, James Simeon Lewis of 13 Mack Street, Aidrie and dated 6th May 1893. In this diary he describes buying this camera with all the associated equipment from Lizars although the maker was McGhie & Sons of St Vincent Street, Glasgow - apparently someone purchased it new then exchanged it for another at Lizars who then sold it to James Lewis for the princely sum of £2. He describes the details of the camera as follows: \"It had all the most modern appliances attached, Swing-back, Rising front, Double extension bellows, turn table & telescopic legs, R.R. Lens (French I believe) ... also a rarity in shape of Ground Glass & Dark Slide Holder being wrought on a pivot so that so that Ground Glass could be angled about 1 inch from right angles .. Also 3 Dark Slides with 1/4 plate carriers ... all of which went into a water-proof bag which when closed resembled a travellers case rather than a Photographer\'s outfit\". Strangely he does not mention the most unusual view finder that fits into the top of the camera that can be rotated for portrait or landscape shots as shown - this is marked \"T. T. & R.\" The condition of the camera, lens and viewfinder is very good indeed and the bellows is in excellent condition too. The plate holders are clean and it seems everything has always been kept in the bag. The bag itself is worn and damaged but still serves its purpose in terms of keeping it all together, safe and clean. The tripod is unusual in that each leg has four elements extending to a massive 58 inches maximum from a closed length of less than 19 inches. The camera measures 9 inches square and 3 inches front to back when stowed and the lens is 2.5 inches front to back with 1.25 inches visible lens diameter.
This rare find is being sold complete as I don\'t have the heart to split it up, although this would probably yield a higher price. Consequently, it adds up to a very heavy item weighing around 7 kg packed and we are only able to quote UK parcel delivery costs. However, we will ship anywhere in the world but ask buyers to request a quotation for P&P to their country before offerding please. To give some idea of likely cost we estimate the total P&P to the Italy or Spain to be £53, to the USA £91, and to Australia or China £110. We will only use fully insured air freight - buyers are welcome to make their own arrangements for collection and shipment if they wish in which case we will simply pack it securely.Payment
All payments must be in UK Pounds and international or non-UK buyers can only pay by PaypalUK buyers only can pay by Paypal or cash on collection, personal cheques and Postal Orders are also accepted, but may delay postage while cleared. .
Packing and Postage
Your items will be very carefully packed and sent by the most economical, safe and insured option depending on the anticipated sales value, size and weight - if the actual postage cost is less than we expected we will refund any excess payment after posting. If you would prefer an enhanced postal service from the one we have selected please ask us for a quotation for the extra cost. We need your full address in clear English but if you send the same details in your own language we will also add this to the label. Please note that the UK postal service will not accept a PO Box number address for \"Signed For\" post. We are happy to ship anywhere in the world so, if the P&P for your country is not listed, please request a quotation before offerding.
Import Duty
We have not included any charges related to the importation into your country - this is your responsibility. We always declare the final selling price as the value of the goods on customs declarations..
Guarantee
You may return the item for any reason at your own expense within 14 days from receipt for a full refund of the purchase price. In addition, we will refund the purchase price and the return postage if the item has a material defect that was not described or obvious from the pictures of the item, or if the item is significantly different from the description given. To obtain such a refund you must send the item back to us within a reasonable time in the same condition as you received it.If you return the item please mark it clearly as \"Goods returned to Seller for Refund\".If you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason please contact us before leaving response and we will make every effort to reach a satisfactory solution.
response
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