Gregg, William T., New York, NY
Gregg's Folding Camera
The International Annual of Anthony's Photographic
Bulletin, Vol. I,
1888,
ads p. 31
5 x 7
6 ½ x 8 ½
Date Introduced: - ;
Years Manufactured: c. 1888-1890
Construction: front
focus via rack and pinion (gears internal to base);
reversing by removable back; double swing
Materials:
Sizes Offered: 4x5; 5x7; 6 ½x8 ½; 8x10
Notes: William T. Gregg
was an optician located at 104 Fulton St., New York, NY. William
Theodore Gregg was from Ireland and established his firm in 1843.
He sold a variety of optical equipment, including eyeglasses,
microscopes, barometers, thermometers, telescopes, surveying equipment,
cameras, dry plates, stereoviews, magic lanterns, field and opera
glasses. The camera here is an English-style compact camera.
It is significantly different than the English-style cameras offered by
American Optical, E. & H. T. Anthony, Rochester Optical Co. and Scovill
at the time, so he must have either had his own factory to manufacture
it or contracted with someone (perhaps overseas) to manufacture it
according to his design or specifications. Some parts appear to be
identical to those on the
Blair
Camera Co. English Compact Camera (e.g., the main hinge
location and size, the horizontal brass track with its scalloped piece),
but it is clearly not identical (notably Blair's use of much brass on
its front standard), and therefore this camera
may have been assembled by Gregg's own craftsmen from pieces purchased
here and there. The lens is also marked Gregg, although it must
have merely been purchased from an optical company (e.g., Darlot) and
engraved at the Gregg factory. All English-style American cameras
were knock-offs of actual English cameras manufactured by a number of
companies in Great Britain. Gregg labels are found on
leather-covered hand and stand cameras as well.
References:
The International Annual of Anthony's Photographic Bulletin,
Vol. I, 1888, W. J. Harrison and A. H.
Elliot, eds., E. & H. T. Anthony & Co. (New York, NY), July 1888, ads p.
31
American Annual of Photography and Photographic Times Almanac for
1890, The Scovill & Adams Co. (New York, NY),
1889, ads p. 31
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