From time to time I get some interesting photos to restore. Wednesday I took delivery of some old photographic glass plates. They came in these lovely boxes. Two sizes of plates 5×4 inches and 7×5 inches. Both Kodak and Ilford plates, the Kodak selling point was “Anti-Halo” and the Ilford “Auto-Filter”. From research, it seems they were circa 1923. The subject matter of the plates was hunting trophies. Leopard, Tigers, bears and Boar. (sorry permission not yet granted for display)
Old Kodak and Ilford Glass Photographic Plate Boxes 5×4 and 7×5 inch
What was very interesting to me is that the larger box came with the instructions for development.
Recipe for developing glass plates for Ilford Auto-Filter Anti-Halo 400
The recipes make interesting reading, I like the mention of the warning on the smaller box…
” Before returning the unused film to this war-time package, care should be taken to ensure the film is wrapped in light proof paper. “
They were confident that unused film would be returned safely and unexposed even in wartime!
Some old and varying sized negatives came along with the package for photo restoration in this envelope. The negatives, still hunting photos may have been intended for “The Explosives Department” at “Imperial Chemical Industries” in Calcutta as the envelope that came with it, was ready-printed with the address. ICI eventually became defunct in 2008 after many years producing chemicals, explosives and paints before it was taken over by Akzo Nobel. Perhaps one of the employees was a hunter and simply kept his negatives safe in the envelope.
Old envelope ready printed for posting back negatives
I suspect if the envelope went through customs today there may be traces of explosives detectable on it. A scary thought.
Certainly an intriguing story developing… Read on to when these were scanned and restored
If you have old photos like this or need a photo restoration but don’t know what service you need to check out the main photo restoration page to see how I can help and how to hire me.
Hi there, I wonder if you have ever come across plates or negatives from the old Photochrom postcard publisher. My grandfather owned and ran that business from the early 20’s till the 1950’s when it was sold and wound up. I just wonder if there may be a collection of some of the old negatives/plates lurking somewhere?
Long shot but grateful for any info,
many thanks
John Fletcher
Hi John
Sorry i do not recall coming across any of these but now the comments have been logged if one crops up ill be sure to put you in touch.
Thanks for your comments
Neil
Hello. I noticed the reply on your website from John Fletcher re Photochrom postcards. I have been trying to discover whether these are in copyright, or now in public domain… I wonder if you still have his email address and could pass this message on to him, please?
Much obliged, Chris