Lehmann Ben Akiba Walking Stick Replica

The 1903 Ben Akiba cane handle camera takes 20 exposures 13x25mm on a roll film 18mm wide and 70cm long. 35mm f/9 meniscus lens. The shutter is released by pulling a knob below the handle. It was manufactured by A. Lehmann in Berlin, Germany. Patented in England in 13th August 1902, in Germany in 1903 and in the USA on 3rd May 1904. It was not widely advertised, but did receive a notice in Scientific America 5th November 1904.Spare roll film were stored in the hollow crook of the handle. The film passes from it's roller in the magazine over a plate, which guides it in the focal plane for exposure, thence it is taken up on the receiving spool in a chamber below. When the entire film has been exposed the side face of the cane handle is removed, the exposed film removed and a new one moved to position behind the guide plate.The camera is named after Joseph ben Akiba, a highly honoured Jewish rabbinical teacher from Jaffa where he introduced the method of interpreting the oral law, which developed into the Mishnah. He supported the patriot Ben Kochba in the ill-fated rebellion against the Emperor Hadrian. Ben Akiba was taken prisoner and tortured to death by the Romans. The offered camera is a replica in beautifull condition. Original fetch prices between 20-40K. Provenance: Christie's, London South Kensington, December 9th 1991, Lot 191.