A fine quality antique folding tailboard camera from the workshops of Perken, Son and Co of London.  This example, in the British half plate format (4¼" x 5½") dates right back to the late Victorian era yet survives in beautiful condition.  The craftmanship is simply breath-taking, the camera having been made from only the finest quality close-grained timber, beautifully jointed and then completed with brass binding which has been cut with absolute precision.  It is fitted with a 6½" x 4¾" lens engraved 'Excelsior' and comes complete with two correctly fitting double dark slide plate holders.  The camera measures 30cm with bellows extended and stands 23cm high.  Its detachable back can be used in both portrait and landscape format.  

Perken, Son and Co (formerly Perken, Son & Rayment) traded from Hatton Garden, London, operating under this name from 1899 onwards. This particular camera most likely dates to around 1910.

Condition: This camera survives in fine condition. The woodwork is excellent with only very minor scuffs and scratches and a minor shrinkage split to the lens board. The bellows are extremely good, still with great shine and fully light-tight. The bellows extension operates correctly, without slippage to the rack and pinion. The brasswork is very good indeed, still protected by its original lacquer with only minor tarnishing. The optics are excellent, free from haze, fungus, scratches or any other defects. Both plate holders are in good condition and a correct fit.