19thC Cmera Lens Maker - Paris

[hhmr]

I spent not many pounds at a camera fair the other day on a handsome little brass mounted camera lens which I want to try on a LF camera I've been refurbishing. Later, perhaps, I might try it on something I'm thinking of building myself. First experiments show it will easily cover Half Plate, which is what I want, and possibly quite a bit larger. That's the easy bit.

For the record it's got stops from f8 to f64 and isn't attached to a shutter. The maker's name is inscribed on the lens mount: -

A Gorde Optician

Paris


The quality of the mount and engraving is pretty good which makes it an attractive item to own, regardless of whether I am able make good use of it. I hesitate to put a date on it but from the style of the engraving I'm guessing late 19thC.

I'm curious about the maker and so far my efforts to find out more on the Web haven't succeeded, so if anyone can help my further searches, please do.

Henry

[Roger_Provins]

Your best bet is to ask The Internet Directory of Camera Collectors.

[parisian]

I think that is Nick's stage name

[Staropramen]

Names on cameras, barometers, clocks, telescopes, microscopes, etc, in that period are commonly the sellers' names, rather than the manufacturers. Like clocks, cameras were often assembled from disparate parts. The clue might be the "Opticians" appelation (and no street name). The lack of legal controls (and widespread 'sharp practice') in those days meant that anyone could add "Paris" - even a 'posh' name - and it suggested 'class' and raised the perceived value, hence price.

That doesn't mean the gear was of poor quality: sometimes rebranded equipment was excellent, though often sometimes pretty average. It may, however, mean that you may have quite a search ahead, good luck.

[hhmr]

...........Names .........

Yes, I knew all that already but was hoping that someone here actually happened to know some details rather than generalities!

Henry

[clamdigger]

FWIW at this late date, there was an antique brass lens offered on eBay in March 2010 inscribed "GORDE Const eur 4 rue Bochard de Saron, Paris". This one, serial numbered 14493, had 5 Waterhouse stops, the corresponding slot and a vintage leather cover on the front. There was no mounting ring. The overall length was given as 2-3/4 in., with a front diameter of 2-1/4 in. and an estimated focal length of 14 in.

Perhaps this was the same optical shop, or perhaps not; I enter this data here to preserve it for further research!

[hhmr]

FWIW at this late date, there was an antique brass lens offered on eBay in March 2010 inscribed "GORDE Const eur 4 rue Bochard de Saron, Paris". This one, serial numbered 14493, had 5 Waterhouse stops, the corresponding slot and a vintage leather cover on the front. There was no mounting ring. The overall length was given as 2-3/4 in., with a front diameter of 2-1/4 in. and an estimated focal length of 14 in.

Perhaps this was the same optical shop, or perhaps not; I enter this data here to preserve it for further research!

Thank you very much for a most helpful reply. I've PMed my thanks too! Having the address adds considerably to my interest. I haven't found the Ebay item yet and asked for the URL in my PM.

Makes a change from digital this and that, much as I enjoy current technology!

Henry

[Terrywoodenpic]

FWIW at this late date, there was an antique brass lens offered on eBay in March 2010 inscribed "GORDE Const eur 4 rue Bochard de Saron, Paris". This one, serial numbered 14493, had 5 Waterhouse stops, the corresponding slot and a vintage leather cover on the front. There was no mounting ring. The overall length was given as 2-3/4 in., with a front diameter of 2-1/4 in. and an estimated focal length of 14 in.

Perhaps this was the same optical shop, or perhaps not; I enter this data here to preserve it for further research!

Thank you very much for a most helpful reply. I've PMed my thanks too! Having the address adds considerably to my interest. I haven't found the Ebay item yet and asked for the URL in my PM.

Makes a change from digital this and that, much as I enjoy current technology!

Henry

It is on USA Ebay

Here

[hhmr]

FWIW at this late date, there was an antique brass lens offered on eBay in March 2010 inscribed "GORDE Const eur 4 rue Bochard de Saron, Paris". This one, serial numbered 14493, had 5 Waterhouse stops, the corresponding slot and a vintage leather cover on the front. There was no mounting ring. The overall length was given as 2-3/4 in., with a front diameter of 2-1/4 in. and an estimated focal length of 14 in.

Perhaps this was the same optical shop, or perhaps not; I enter this data here to preserve it for further research!

Thank you very much for a most helpful reply. I've PMed my thanks too! Having the address adds considerably to my interest. I haven't found the Ebay item yet and asked for the URL in my PM.

Makes a change from digital this and that, much as I enjoy current technology!

Henry

It is on USA Ebay

Here

Thanks so much for the link. What a fascinating little lens. Mine is much more modern, if you can really call 19thC modern, but this information is the extra detail I was so hoping to get hold of. Essentially I'm a user rather than a collector (my wife might have a view on that) so I only bought mine to put in a camera I'm planning to build. But the opportunity to learn in the process adds to the fun.

Henry