First off, thank you for letting me join the group! Second...my apologies for asking the wrong question earlier...
Now...I am sort of an antiques dealer but my focus is more on antique oil lanterns...whale oil, kerosene...barn, nautical or railroad. Until this year, I had no idea that Holmes, Booth & Haydens made lenses. I've had a couple of HB&H lanterns over the years so this was a surprise.
This lens belongs to a friend who's mother passed earlier this year. He found this lens in one of her old chests and asked me to do some research that will allow him to decide if he wants to keep it or pass it on to a new home. The overall length is about 5 1/2" and from what I've been able to learn so far is that it was made by Holmes Booth & Haydens in 1855 (estimated) for a 1/2 Plate Daguerreotype or ambrotype camera. It has the original flange to connect to the wooden lensboard. It also has a bell shaped lens hood and original brass lens cap. It has the original patina and the glass is clean and clear.
If all that means something to anyone out there, can you provide a little more information? What does a 1/2 plate mean? Are there people out there that still use these lenses?
Thanks all for your time and attention!
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