Picked up this loverly old glass plate multi-shot camera in Amiens antique markets.
Was hidden in a bunch of old WWII field phones.
No info on when it was made but according to the Encyclopedia of 19th century photography by John Hannavy they first appeared in the 1880's and were most popular in 1890's.
Another name for these cameras is Drop Plate cameras and can take up to 12 exposures. (Have all the 12 plate holders too)
I have wondered what things have been seen through this camera over its long-long life.
All hand made of wood, leather, brass and steel. (suspecting ivory on the name plate)
No info on the lens or the shutter (shutter been the 2 leaf curtain type)
It all still works fine but I wouldn't be sure the slower shutter speeds are very accurate.

Experimented a bit with glass and light with this and the last shot is a floodlight through the cameras lens onto a focusing screen.


Edit: done a test on the name plate.
To tell the difference between bone/tooth material you get a red hot pin and Polk it in a hidden place then smell the smoke. If you smell burnt hair or that smell the dentist makes when your having a root canal done then its ivory. If it smells like plastic then it is. Thing is this smelt like camphor?
Done some more research and found that the first stable celluloid was made so by adding camphor to it in 1863. Funny that this plate camera had its demise and the future of film sitting in front for all to see.


Update: Have been advised that this camera was made in 1899 by a chap called Korsten. G. Fournier must have added the bubble levels and branded it.