BoxCameras.com - Blair Camera Company Improved Hawk-eye Detective Camera, 1893-1898

Front of camera with hinged panel open allowing access to the lens

This large (12" x 6" x 6"), wooden box camera for 4 x 5 inch glass plates was manufactured and marketed by Blair during the mid-1890s. The name 'Hawk-eye' originated with the Boston Camera Company in 1888, and through a series of mergers and acquisitions, eventually continued its run with Eastman Kodak all the way into the 1960s.

This model, called a 'detective camera' since it lacked the look of traditional field and studio cameras of the day, was available with either a polished wood or leather exterior. Ironically, the polished wood which is so distinctive and desirable to collectors today was the less expensive of the two finish options.

This particular camera represents a 'premium' model in that it has a higher-quality anastigmat lens versus the simple meniscus lens which was normally supplied. The lens is also directly accessible, via the hinged front panel and has wheel-set stops to allow a range of exposures in varying light conditions. The lens bears the engraving "B.F. & Co.", for Benjamin French & Company, a Boston importer and seller of lenses in the mid- to late-1800s.

Rear view of the camera, showing side door open, ground glass in place, and back door removed.

Here is another variation of the exposed wood Improved Detective model, but with an inaccessible simple lens that does not have wheel-set apertures. The same wire-set shutter was used for all Improved Hawk-eye Detective models.