Posted 9 years ago
theoldengi…
(1 item)
I was given this camera when I was around 10 years old and I'm now into my 60's, but I've never been able to find any information. I was once told that they were given away in packets of cereal as a toy, but never been able to validate this, although the quality, but not the weight, would tend to support this. It even has a roll of film in it!! Any help in solving this livelong mystery would be appreciated.
Can you imagine what's on the Roll of Film after 50 years.....should be interesting. RER
This is a c.1936 "Merlin" made by United Optical Instruments Ltd (162 High Street, Southend-On-Sea, Essex, England). It is a crackle-finished cast metal body sold in a variety of colors including black, blue, red and green.
What's interesting is that the Merlin camera was used inside the 1938 black bakelight "Erac Pistol Camera." Its company, E.R.A.C. Selling Co. Ltd was also located in Southend-On-Sea near London.
Thank you for your input. Fantastic to get to the bottom of the mystery.