C P Stirn concealed vest camera from c1890 courtesy of Science and Media Museum in the UK
Toronto. In the 1870s dry plates began to get traction and the day of the hand-held camera began. And briefly some cameras used clever disguises and were called detective cameras.
Over the years many odd looking cameras were developed with the occasional one reaching market. An example is a novel flat and round camera hidden under a gentleman’s vest – the camera took a few shots on a round ‘dry plate’ via a lens peeking out from a vest button-hole. The camera and its sequel were made in Germany and sold in the Big Apple by C.P. Stirn c1886-92.
I only saw one and it was in our spring 2003 mail order auction (see the post ‘close to the vest‘). Many other strange cameras were kept in the research labs and never saw the light of day on the retail market.
Our 2026 events are well in hand. Of course you may not spot a Stirn – or other weird camera – at our events, but you will have fun and a chance to add an interesting item to your collection and user gear.
Up next is our delightful outdoors event held each July. This year the ‘rain or shine’ Trunk Sale is on July 12th. New this year, it will be on the grounds of the Legion Hall #101 (where we hold our auctions). To ask a question or reserve a spot to sell, email Clint at fair@phsc.ca.
