Lot 45
Scarce Crown Graphic 4x5 Large Format Camera with Two Lenses. Full Case of Flash Units, Filters, Film Plates. Reporter Lowell Thomas Photo. From Graflex, Inc., a scarce Pacemaker Crown Graphic 4 x 5", large format camera with excellent provenance (Serial Number 435095) and in working condition. This camera and all of its large case of gear have been stored carefully for decades by the photographer, Vincent Skelley and subsequently, his immediate family.
Skelley was a WWII Army Air Corp pilot who served in the CBI (China, Burma and India) who would shoot photos of enemy areas in the morning in his P-38 and have them developed by noon using only a tent to develop, and then fly with other armed pilots to attack those photographed targets. Post-WWII his interest in photography found him taking portraits of notable and people he admired. One such friend was Lowell Thomas, writer, reporter, editor and traveler probably best known as the reporter who covered T.E. Lawrence and spokesperson for "Cinerama". The photographer and explorer became good friends and this collection includes a vintage original portrait photo by Skelley (14 x 11" signed lower right) of Thomas in his study that was eventually used for commercial uses per one of the two typed letters signed by Thomas to Skelley both dated 1948 that are included.
Camera and gear include:
1.) Two lenses: The Ektar 4.7 127mm lens #ES17504 presently fitted on camera with Series V1 Kodak lens hood. Inside hardshell case, the Carl Zeiss Jena lens Tessar 4.5 #2417452.
2.) Hard case by Graflex with interior custom for camera and additional equipment.
3.) Original Warranty of Service, Instruction manual and original ad brochure promoting new features and ordering accessories and range finders.
4.) Remote shuttle cable.
5.) Primary camera-mounted flash unit.
6.) Secondary flash unit with clamp mount.
7.) Wide range of filters of color and haze filters.
8.) A number of adaptor rings.
9.) Film pack adapters and plate attachments.
A fine camera for any level of collector that displays beautifully and conveys with a great number of original extras plus a peek into the friendship of the photographer with celebrated reporter and early media titan, Lowell Thomas. Estimated Value $700 - 1,000
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| Realized $576 |
