Gregg, William T., New York, NY

 

Gregg's Folding Camera Variation 1

 

 

5 x 7"
The camera was purchased separately from the period canvas carrying case, but fit together as if they were made for each other.  Even the camera's original tripod legs fit perfectly inside of a top compartment in the case.

Bottom

Top

Label, Upper Rear Standard
The swiveling brass catch locks the wooden ground glass protective cover in place.

 

 

Date Introduced: - ; Years Manufactured:  c. 1888
Construction: front focus via rack and pinion (gears internal to base);  reversing by removable back; double swing
Materials:
Sizes Offered: 4x5; 5x7; 6½x8½; 8x10
Notes:

      William T. Gregg was an optician located at 104 Fulton St., New York, NY.  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. 

     Gregg's Folding Camera is an English-style compact camera, the general design of which features a front standard that collapses under a fold-down rear standard and a base that contains a telescoping bed.  While that basic design is similar to models manufactured by  English-style cameras offered by American Optical, E. & H. T. Anthony, Rochester Optical Co. and Scovill at the time, the details of the Gregg cameras are unique to Gregg.  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.  One unique feature in a view camera is that the Gregg's Folding Camera has a solid mahogany ground glass protective cover, which was only still present on only one of three examples of this very rare camera.

     Gregg labels are found on leather-covered hand and stand cameras as well.

     So far, two variations have been seen.  Variation 1 seems to be the more complex, and more expensive to produce, so is thought to pre-date Variation 2 according to my general principle that a camera model having more than one variation tends to become simpler and less expensive to produce over time.  

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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