HOUGHTON ENSIGN Handtaschenkamera

Black leather shoulder bag imprinted PATENT no.250468/25, lined in blue material, double purse compartment, shoulder strap, cosmetic mirror on stud fastened catch revealing a 127-rollfilm Vest Pocket Ensign, very good condition, shutter working. One of five known examples made in two distinct versions, handbag design and shoulder bag design. Included in the collection of George Eastman House is one of the handbag designed cameras which interestingly bears an American patent number whereas this version has a British patent number. It was probably Houghton who approached the handbag manufacturer and Samuel Aspis to design a bag to carry a concealed camera. Patent no. 250468/25 was granted in 1926. None of these cameras were listed in the Ensign catalogue, 19x19cm. Literature: Abring IV p.183.