Little Nipper
Contents
1901 model
The Little Nipper is a rebadged version of a German magazine camera, certainly the Hüttig Gnom, sold by the British company Butcher from around 1901.[1] The camera met some success, and it was said at the time that 50,000 units were sold in six months.[2]
It seems that the original Little Nipper is in 4.5×6cm size and the Little Nipper No.2 is in 6.5×9cm size, but sources disagree on that point.[3] A Little Nipper No.3 and a Little Nipper Rollfilm (6×6cm) appeared around 1902; the latter is perhaps very different from the original magazine camera.[4]
The Little Nipper was exported to Japan, and inspired local copies such as the Cherry by Konishi.
1922 model
A new Little Nipper, made of cardboard, was released around 1922.[5] Its production was certainly continued by Houghton-Butcher, and a leaflet dated 1929 for the "Ensign Little Nipper" has been reported.[6]
Notes
- ↑ Test reports published in 1901 issues of Amateur Photographer have been offered for sale by a dealer.
- ↑ A dealer has offered a 1901 article of Amateur Photographer titled "Butcher & Sons Little Nipper - 50,000 sold in 6 months !".
- ↑ A dealer has offered 1901 test reports titled "Butcher & Sons Little Nipper (1 3/4 x 2 5/8")" and "Butcher & Sons Little Nipper No 2 (2 1/2 x 3 1/2")". McKeown, p.172, says the contrary: "No.2 takes 4.5×6cm plates; a larger model takes 6.5×9cm plates."
- ↑ A dealer has offered 1902 test reports titled "Butcher & Sons Little Nipper No.3" and "Butcher & Sons Little Nipper Rollfilm (2 1/4"-square)".
- ↑ McKeown, p.172.
- ↑ Leaflet offered for sale by a dealer.
Bibliography
- McKeown, James M. and Joan C. McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 12th Edition, 2005-2006. USA, Centennial Photo Service, 2004. ISBN 0-931838-40-1 (hardcover). ISBN 0-931838-41-X (softcover). P.172.
