A Stirn Concealed Vest camera.
J. Robinson & Sons
Category
Photographic technology
Date
1886 - 1892
Materials
Metal, Glass
Measurements
55 mm (Depth); 155 mm (Diam)
Order this imageCollection
Fox Talbot Museum, Wiltshire
NT 1524905
Summary
A Stirn Concealed Vest camera. The camera is shaped like a brass-coloured metal disc with a protruding lens on the front, with a carrying strap to go round the neck. It would have been worn under a waistcoat with the lens protruding through a buttonhole, with a long string attached to the shutter release concealed in a trouser pocket. The lens is fixed focus, fixed aperture, and there is a sector-type single speed, spring powered shutter which is tensioned by a knurled knob on the camera front which also advances the exposure. The shutter is released by pulling a wire ring on the side of the camera (to which the string would have been attached). The camera takes six 4cm diameter exposures on a circular glass plate. The camera back is opened by a knurled knob above the lens. Markings; on the front "Patentees Agents J. Robinson & Sons, 172 Regent St. London, & Dublin" On the rear "C.P. Stirn's Photographische Camera" and serial no 4504, D.R.P No. 38391
Provenance
Part of the Fenton Collection. A gift from British Film Institute in 2017. From 1986-1999, part of BFI collection for the Museum of the Moving Image. BFI purchased collection in 1986 from James Fenton's Museum of Photography, Port Erin, Isle of Man 1976-1986
Makers and roles
J. Robinson & Sons, agent