ww1 gun camera

[blueman]

opinions please guyshttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2014/post-10499-0-87314100-1406209938.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2014/post-10499-0-59758500-1406209955.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2014/post-10499-0-43230600-1406209966.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2014/post-10499-0-90609300-1406209980.jpg

[Mervyn Mitton]

Kevin - it is hard to tell from photos. It could well be a WW2 war photographer's camera mounted in a stock to

give stability. However, it could well be a Lewis Gun casing and a camera lens mounted - this I would feel could

be very suspect. The old rule applies - if in doubt , let someone else make the mistake.

Let's hope the membership can be more positive in the identification. Mervyn

[peter monahan]

Very odd - that stock would hardly help steady the camera unless it was mounted on a pintle/swivel, I don't think. OTOH, it looks like a professional constrsuction job and it would be a very odd thing to fake, unless perhaps for theatrics or a film. I'd agree with Mervyn's 'old rule, though. Let it lie!

[blueman]

hi guys if you google info on this you will find they were in use during ww1....kev

[Mervyn Mitton]

In which case then I think it would be on a swivel - as Peter describes - and possibly for aircraft. Should you go ahead,

then we look forward to lots of pictures. Mervyn

[peter monahan]

That's my leaping to conclusions again!

[Jerry B]

Posted on another forum.

Thornton-Pickard were formed in 1888 and produced photoraphic equipment up to 1940 when the company ceased to exist.

This piece is the Thorton-Pickard Mk III Hythe Machine Gun Camera,circa 1915.

The camera was used by the RFC for aircraft gunnery training.The camera was mounted onto an aircraft and instead of shooting bullets it took pictures and was used to train pilots in air-to-air combat.

The camera was the same size as a Lewis gun and when the trainee "fired" the gun camera a cross-hair was printed onto the image showing how accurate his aim had been.

The camera took 16 frames on 120mm roll film,had an f8-300mm lens and was named "Hythe" after the gunnery school in Kent.

The camera's were sold commercially after the war.

[Mervyn Mitton]

Thankyou Jerry. Without using any refs. I think Peter and I got near enough - Lewis gun frame - mount for

aircraft. Kev, I hope you are succesful, it must be quite rare in good condition. Mervyn

[Jerry B]

An image of one in use mounted to the upper wing. The information and the picture were posted by Martin W.