Just aquired a Top Handle 4X5 Speed. Serial No. is 78045 (or 78845, can't really read the third number) Any idea when it hit the street?
Thanks,
Don

I'm guessing around WWI neither serial number is recorded as a Speed but there are some in the 784xx to 786xx range.

Is this one shorter and fatter than say your Pre-Ann?

Is the handle straight accross or at an angle?

I believe this is late enough to have a closed solid wind key

Thanks Gandolf. In answer to your questions,
The Pre Anny is 7 1/4 High X 6 1/2 Wide X 3 7/8 Deep. The Top Handle is 6 1/2 High X 6 1/2 Wide X 4 1/8 deep. The Top Handle IS both Fatter and Shorter. It does have a solid winding key, and the handle is straight across, NOT at an angle.
Has a 135mm Dial Set Compur on a "A" size board. Also has an Albada style finder, and a Kalart R/F, of a type I have never seen before (Older style maybe?)

Gandolf the master dater...

Well okay, could you date my Crown Graphic?
#877143

also on the lens is:
No.903933

donH
I suspect the RF is a tubular type model F, not original to the Top handle but probably factory mounted during the ReNewAl program of WWII


Office88
"Gandolf the master dater..."
Just be careful with those key strokes and spaces...

1952 and 1954


I"m off to Maui for a couple of weeks so if you see a old man with long grey hair, hooked nose and lot of sunscreen sitting between two lovely ladies on the beach......it won't be me.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Gandolf on 2004-03-17 13:14 ]</font>

I would sure love to get a hold of a list of serial numbers, but anyway I just aquired a new crown with the number of 886161, think you could be nice enough to give me an idea of its birthday, also have a speed with the number of 238929.

Thanks for the help.

Dave Parker

Quote:

886161, 238929. Thanks for the help. Dave Parker

1951 & 1939-- a late pre ann with tubular finder and FP trigger lock