Lot 299 in the Auction this Sunday. A fine looking brass lens by B&L of Rochester NY
Toronto. … as my mother used to say. At tomorrow’s fair lot 299 features an old Bausch & Lomb brass lens with a coverage of 12×15 inches called an “Extra Rapid Universal” lens complete with a lens mount but no lens board.
The ornate signature for B&L plus the plate coverage suggests it is a late 1800s lens. The lens photographs very well. Take a look at the ‘real deal’ Sunday and don’t forget to bid!
The lens was used on a field or studio camera, most likely with dry plates. I was unable to find the name “Extra Rapid Universal” other than the odd lens (not always B&L) for sale on sites like Ebay.
The company is still around – both here and in Rochester but now makes only ‘eye’ products.
