Identification of Anomalous Tripod/Bed Block

[Alwelch1]

Hi everyone,

I was torn between posting this here or over on the "Gear" forum. Let me know and I'll move the post if it doesn't fit.

I came across this sliding tripod block in the hopes it would fit my 8x10 Korona but unfortunately it does not. That being said, me nor anyone I've spoken with has any idea what platform it was originally intended to fit. There are no makers markings/numbers. Hardware is brass. Features a spring lock on one side, geared crossmember, and the knob is a double friction lock type. Originally I thought it might be from a 2D Kodak judging by the hardware and coloring but as far I can find all those blocks were friction only with no spring lock.

I've included photos along with a tape measure to give an approximation of the dimensions. I still assume this was for a larger format camera track, likely 8x10 or certainly no smaller than a 5x7, but I am in no way sure. I've researched with zero matches. Nothing so far has even come close.


Thanks in advance for any help or information.

-Adam

[Rod Klukas]

The knob especially looks like some used by both Seneca and the Northern Camera, Liberty model, cameras. circa early 20th century.

The Seneca Competitor View 5x7 might be a match.

Hope this helps.

Rod

[Alwelch1]

Hey Rod,

Thanks a lot for this information. As you said, the knobs seem to be virtually identical to the Seneca. I did a bit of digging in that direction and discovered the 'Montauk View Improved' that also has similar knobs and hardware to the Seneca. As it turns out, the Seneca, National View (as you mentioned), Ingento, Rexo, and Montauk, all produced virtually IDENTICAL cameras in 5x7. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find an example of any of those which feature a tripod block nor a block provided as an option in the catalogs. So the search continues. At the very least, this appears to be a step towards figuring this out.

Thanks again for the info.