RARE SLIDING BOX WET PLATE CAMERA- J H DALLMEYER,LONDON Start Price GBP 400.00 Current Price GBP 900.00 Time Left - Bid Count 9 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, September 04, 2008 End Time Sunday, September 14, 2008 Location west country See more about 'RARE SLIDING BOX WET PLATE CAMERA- J H DALLMEYER,LONDON' Description A rare and well made mahogany sliding box wet plate camera of dove tailed and close screwed construction with a label for J H Dalmeyer, Optician, London. Numbered 657 on the mahogany slide and also 657 on the body of the camera beneath slide. J H Dallmeyer was working in London circa 1860 and I believe he was a pioneer in the field of early camera and lens manufacture. This cames dates from the 2nd half of the 19th century. The brass lens focuses by means of a rack and screw principle and this is also engraved J H Dalmeyer, London, and 8251 on the barrel. When I purchased this camera the lens mount had been extended forward by means of a thick  marine ply washer which I have removed. See photos. The holes of the lens mount match up exactly with the holes on the wooden front of the camera although the holes have been enlarged so will no longer screw back with the original screws. Hence the box matches in the photos propping it up to it's approxiamate position. In addition there is a scratched x on the back of the plate which lines up with a similar scratched x on front of camera. There is also a small hole at this point which someone has plugged and similar two holes to the side of the camera where something else has been removed (possibly an attempt to make a shutter?) There is a piece of mahogany missing from bottom edge base of camera and someone has bolted 2 metal attachments through the camera by means of fine bolts. Base board has a couple of holes with a chip, probably where it has been screwed to a stand/table. Mechanism of lens works and appears undamaged but is a little stiff. Retaining some of it's bright laquer finish. Lacking lens cover. Camera in the condition I found it and is being sold as in need of repair/restoration. The base board measures 10in back to front x 6.7/8 across. Box depth (closed) measures 6.1/8in x 7.1/2in high(from base). Diameter of front of lens measures 3.1/2in. Ground glass slide looks to be original and undamaged. I do not have any other parts to this camera other than what I have photographed. This is the last camera I have at the present time. PLEASE EMAIL ME IF YOU NEED ANY OTHER INFORMATION. I AM NOT A SPECIALIST BUT WILL DO MY BEST TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS.  PLEASE NOTE - WE DO NOT END OUR SALES EARLY OR HAVE A "BUY IT NOW" PRICE. There is a very informative site for English mahogany and brass plate cameras which is at www.woodandbrass.co.uk    On 11-Sep-08 at 11:44:52 BST, seller added the following information:Please note - I would like to clarify the measurement that I have given for the front lens - this should read "lens hood 3.1/2in." The back lens I make approx 2.3/4in diameter. Place a Bid!