Greetings,
I would like to identify a camera used at sea on a voyage from England to the Esquimalt BC Naval Yard, 1885 to 1889. Halfway through the trip, in 1887 at Coquimbo, It is apparent the photographer had trouble with the cameras sector shutter, removed the lens board and used the lens cap. The unique shutter/lens board, camera box, film plate holder, and possibly a lens appeared in the photo he subsequently took.
I’ve looked at many antique camera sites and so far, no camera matches. I haven’t the ability to visit many museums as nothing online seems to help. I don’t believe the Royal Navy had standard issue cameras or a dedicated photography section that early but I’ve seen many similar early ship and crew photos.
This photo is in an album I’m researching of the HMS Wild Swan, belonged to Sub-Lieut Evelyn Le Marchant who eventually became Admiral. It contains over 100 albumen prints of life at sea, shore visits and other HM Ships of the day, such as HMS Baccante with Prince George and Prince Edward in Sydney 1881 and a few cricket teams along the way. His life is described in “Dying For Glory – 5 Cotswold Brothers” by Michael Boyes and early sea adventures in “Cruise of HMS Bacchante” by Canon Dalton as a Midshipman. If one investigates these details the reason for my obsession should be be apparent.
Cheers
Ron
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