Butcher’s Royal Mail Stamp camera with instructions and packaging c1907
Toronto. Bill Belier’s column “A Treasure From My Collection” in issue 28-1 (May/June 2002) feature’s a relatively rare British camera, “The Royal Mail Photo Stamp camera”. The example at left was picked up by Mr Tanenbaum at our spring 1998 fair.
Bill begins, “It is a rare occasion when our two annual photographica fairs do not produce a number of highly prized collectible cameras and our 1998 Spring Fair was no exception. Such was the case when H__ T__spotted the little Royal Mail classic on a vendor’s table, recognized its historical significance, and within minutes negotiated its purchase.
“Over the years H__ has assembled an outstanding collection of classic and land-mark cameras but his interest in “hardware” is more an adjunct and not the main thrust of his passion for photographica.
“Together with his wife C__, who shares his enthusiasm for photographic arts, they have assembled an enviable collection of prints, daguerreotypes, ambrotypes and other expressions of the art of the photographer, both historical and contemporary. Their preferences, which are reflected in the collection, appear to be universal with an emphasis on social documentary photography.”
Members read all of this article in the pdf for issue 28-1 on the free members’ only DVD/thumb drive. Joining is easy – just follow ‘Membership’ above and at right. Questions? Email member@phsc.ca.
