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DonH · Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2004 11:56 pm Post subject:

Just aquired a Top Handle 4X5 Speed. Serial No. is 78045 (or 78845, can't really read the third number) Any idea when it hit the street?
Thanks,
Don

Gandolf · Joined: 26 Dec 2001 Posts: 328 Location: middle earth

I'm guessing around WWI neither serial number is recorded as a Speed but there are some in the 784xx to 786xx range.

Is this one shorter and fatter than say your Pre-Ann?

Is the handle straight accross or at an angle?

I believe this is late enough to have a closed solid wind key

DonH · Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 1:50 am Post subject:

Thanks Gandolf. In answer to your questions,
The Pre Anny is 7 1/4 High X 6 1/2 Wide X 3 7/8 Deep. The Top Handle is 6 1/2 High X 6 1/2 Wide X 4 1/8 deep. The Top Handle IS both Fatter and Shorter. It does have a solid winding key, and the handle is straight across, NOT at an angle.
Has a 135mm Dial Set Compur on a "A" size board. Also has an Albada style finder, and a Kalart R/F, of a type I have never seen before (Older style maybe?)

office888 · Joined: 19 Feb 2004 Posts: 41 Location: Southwest Michigan

Gandolf the master dater...

Well okay, could you date my Crown Graphic?
#877143

also on the lens is:
No.903933

_________________
"Graflex cameras are like peanuts...you get one and you just can't stop." - Me

Gandolf · Joined: 26 Dec 2001 Posts: 328 Location: middle earth

donH
I suspect the RF is a tubular type model F, not original to the Top handle but probably factory mounted during the ReNewAl program of WWII

Office88
"Gandolf the master dater..."
Just be careful with those key strokes and spaces...

1952 and 1954

I"m off to Maui for a couple of weeks so if you see a old man with long grey hair, hooked nose and lot of sunscreen sitting between two lovely ladies on the beach......it won't be me.

[ This Message was edited by: Gandolf on 2004-03-17 13:14 ]

Rangemaster · Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 6:15 pm Post subject:

I would sure love to get a hold of a list of serial numbers, but anyway I just aquired a new crown with the number of 886161, think you could be nice enough to give me an idea of its birthday, also have a speed with the number of 238929.

Thanks for the help.

Dave Parker

Gandolf · Joined: 26 Dec 2001 Posts: 328 Location: middle earth