This is a very well made and finished camera. It was sold for many years by Hare and others. Minor improvements and modifications were made over the years, particularly to the tilting back arrangement. Eventually made in sizes from 6 ½" x 8 ½" to 18" x 16" and in two versions - one of square section with a reversing back, the other of rectangular section where the whole camera is turned on its side for vertical subjects. Brass binding was extra. Plate holders were available for either wet or dry plates. This example probably dates to around 1890.

Hare gives the introduction date of the camera as 1878, the name was used for an earlier Hare camera but advertisements say that the 1878 model was a 'new arrangement'. The date may, in fact, be wrong as the 'new arrangement' is advertised in the BJA of 1877.