A superb British Whole Plate folding camera by Sands & Hunter of London. The company was established by Charles Sands and John James Hunter in 1874 operating initially from premises in High Holborn, and thereafter in Cranbourn Street until 1905. This is the company's 'Imperial' model, made from fine quality Spanish mahogany with dovetailed joints, square tapered bellows and double extension rack and pinion focusing. This example is fitted with an Ivorine plaque to the front lens board with the words 'Sands and Hunter's Imperial Camera' and another to the side with 'Sands and Hunter, Manufacturers, 20 Crabourn Street, London W C'. The camera is fitted with a good Perken Son and Rayment Rapid Rectilinear Optimus 9" x 7" lens which comes complete with a full set of waterhouse stops contained within their original case. Also included is a set of photographers notes dated 1887, three correctly fitting plate holders and a high quality leather case with great patina. The camera is 30cm high and measures approximately 57cm at maximum extension.

Condition: Camera in fine condition. Lens body with original lacquer with minor oxidation. Lens optics clear, free from haze, fungus, separation. Minor dust and cleaning marks. Full set of waterhouse stops contained within their original Optimus case, lens also with original cover and photographers notes. Bellows in very good condition and light tight, a small number of paint spots. Bellows extension by means of rack and pinion, working smoothly without slippage. Close-grained mahogany in excellent condition, retaining original French polish finish with great colour and shine. Minor non-structural split to lens board. Brasswork good with age-related tarnishing. Three plate holders, correctly fitting. Original embossed leather case in very good condition with excellent patina, a deep colour and good shine, with just the right amount of wear. Minor loss of stitching. Both buckles present and brass catch working correctly