item details
Name'Ensignette' camera.
ProductionHoughtons Ltd.; manufacturer(s); circa 1915; England
Classificationcameras
Materialsmetal, glass, leather
DimensionsOverall: 100mm (width), 53mm (height), 22mm (depth)
Registration NumberTP000028
Credit lineGift of Mr E.S. Dollimore, 1964.
Overview
This camera is on display at Te Papa in Gallipoli: The scale of our war.
The 'Ensignette' roll-film camera was designed by Magnus Niell in 1907 and introduced to the market by its manufacturers, Houghtons Ltd at the end of 1909. The 'Ensignette' was extremely popular and remained in production until 1927.
During the First World War 'Ensignettes' were advertised as 'A Soldier's Camera' on account of their small size and portability ( it folded so a man could fit one into his tunic pocket).
Although soldiers were forbidden to take cameras into action, many of our men at Gallipoli defied the order and have left us an impressive record of their experiences.