This one
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BIG-BRASS-...vip=true&rt=nc
could be an early Hermagis serial no. 4307.
The rear and front cells have been assembled wrongly.
I base my case on:
- the very heavy duty rack is cut away near the lens cells. This identical in appearance to the earliest Hermagis I have.
- the use of double screws to secure the rack to the barrel at both ends. I have only ever seen this on early Hermagis lenses.
- the general appearance is not in conflict with Hermagis early brass.
- The lens diameter is 81 mm which matches one of Hermagis standard Petzval sizes.
- marking the barrel, rather than the sleeve, was done in connection with "monture universelle". The hood assembly, which would shed light on this, is unfortunately absent.
- the serial number is a number which is realistic considering the "known" numbers.
What does the glass edge writing say.
It is, unfortunately, not my purchase!
I don't believe this ever sold as a Hermagis. The rough numbering and the slightly out of true rack screws suggest it might have been a construction attempt that never found its way out of the workshop for retail sale.
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