I have recently purchased at auction a Century 10A Studio Camera (8x10 format) (Folmer & Schwing Department, Eastman Kodak Company) with a 1A Semi-Centennial stand (same manufacture). The latter is a lovely two-post elevator stand with a handwheel/crank elevator control. It is very similar to the Century Master Stand, which is however slightly different in design in a few places (slightly less elegant, in Carla's opinion, and it was her enthusiasm for the 1A stand that propelled this acquisition in the first place).
I am totally baffled by the "Semi-Centennial" designation of the stand. Research so far suggests that this stand was introduced, under that name, very early in the 20th century (perhaps even before the Century Camera Company was absorbed by Eastman Kodak in 1907, or in any case liklely shortly thereafter).
Does anyone know the basis for that name?
Thanks.
Best regards,
Doug
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