A lens engraved with both the UK maker and Canadian distributor
Toronto. … is a common expression for redoing accounting entries to intentionally favour someone.
In the case of photography, some products were re-badged to show a different maker and/or country. In this case, the maker and country are shown as well as the Canadian distributor, “J. G. Ramsay and Co., Toronto”.
The journal blurb begins, “[The] Cooke Primoplane lens as manufactured by Taylor, Taylor & Hobson Ltd. (inscribed on outer ring), is [a] 4 inch, Series VII.A f/6.5, mounted to board for commercial camera use; stops down to f/22.
“The large aperture was of convenience for focussing in dull interiors. [The] inscription on [the] ring reads: Sole consignee for Canada, J.G. Ramsey & Co. Toronto.” …
The T.T.H. lens is from the late Don Douglas collection (Don was a long time PHSC member and fair table holder).
Members read the final paragraph of the brief article and the added illustrations in the issue 26-1 pdf file on the free member-only DVD/memory stick. See above and at right to join. Send any membership questions to member@phsc.ca.
