Could someone check the width of a typical 12x10" UK Book plate holder?

[Steven Tribe]

The internal measurements are exactly 10x12", but I don't have the corresponding camera to check external dimensions.

I know that there weren't absolute UK standards, but is 370x300mm close to yours?

[IanG]

I have 5 here for restoration the owner doesn't have a camera for them though, the holders have been damaged by wet plate use. They are 357mm in length, 292mm wide with a longer cut out on the right. all the way between the catches.

Ian

[Steven Tribe]

8mm is quite a lot. I'll check the measurements when I have it in my hands.

What damage does wet plate do? Just staining and oxidisation?

[IanG]

8mm is quite a lot. I'll check the measurements when I have it in my hands.

What damage does wet plate do? Just staining and oxidisation?

The worst ones the silver nitrate has rotted the hinges and the metal piece that separates the plates as well as considerable staining. However except for one they were falling apart, the dark-slides them selves cracked and leaking light, taped hinges perished. One was missing too much to restore but gave me parts to restore the other 3 damaged ones. Actually it was the half dozen 1/2 plate holders that had the worst damage from wet plate use. I must get them finished off.

Ian

[Steven Tribe]

The two back hinges are sometimes gone on the book holders I have seen. They are often made out of two thin layers of steel that are pressed about the hinge pin.

I have a single dedicated wet holder (for 15x12) with silver plated corner pieces that hold the plate in position and I have glass and silver threads on many others from old Studio sets doing the same job.
No one appears to that thought about protecting the mahogany parts?

[DannL]

I use a Midland which has 5 holders. If you like, I can check the dimensions on those later this evening when I get home.

[Steven Tribe]

Super!

[DannL]

So, the dimensions are 291.5mm (A) x 346mm (B) x 23mm thick. The channel on each edge is 13mm wide, and 4mm deep (centered). Inside dimensions for plate in inches are 10-1/16" x 12-1/16". The four corners on both sides are reinforced with brass plates.

130310

[Steven Tribe]

So a width of 291/2mm might be a standard! I''ll update when I have received the holder. Thanks,

[Steven Tribe]

Holder received this morning. Seller measured to the outerside of the ridge - which explains the apparent oversize in width. And it is, using Danni's photo guide, 291.5mm x 349mm. She measured the length with the dark slide handle included.

Thanks for posters' help.