SOLID-DISC PULLEY 1000' FILM MAGAZINE

Bell & Howell, Chicago, Illinois Post-1945

This style of magazine for Bell & Howell's 2709, characterized by its solid-disc pulleys, appears to have originated after World War II. It probably represents the last design in the magazine's evolution, until production of the 2709 ceased in the late 1950's.

Earlier B&H magazines were characterized by the brass Bell & Howell logo shield, many times seen with a patent date of 2-13-1917. Patent No. 1,215,534 for a "Film Magazine for Cinematograph or Motion Picture Cameras" was granted to Albert S. Howell on February 13, 1917.

Later 400-foot magazines for the civilian market manufactured during WW2, were constructed of wood since aluminum and other metals were needed for war production. These typically have a chrome logo shield containing a serial number and a space for the patent (left blank), although some have been found with no shield. Government contract metal magazines (400-foot) for Bell & Howell's Eyemo typically had green finishes, with the earlier style 3-hole pulleys. Government Filmo mags have also been seen with this same chrome logo.

The example shown here, having a chrome and brown logo and solid-disc pulleys, most likely dates it to post WW2. The solid-disc pulley design appears to have succeeded the previous 3-hole design seen on Bell & Howell's 200-foot and 400-foot 35mm magazines and the 5-hole design on their 1000-foot magazines. By this time, unless the serial number is covered by the felt lining or located elsewhere within the interior, Bell & Howell was no longer placing serial numbers on their magazines.

It's interesting in that despite being a later style, these solid-disc pulley versions are almost never encountered today.

Source: Google Patents