RAPID
RECTILINEAR LENS
Taylor,
Taylor & Hobson, Leicester, England
1891-1898
The Taylor, Taylor & Hobson was the most expensive
lens option offered for Blair's Hawk-Eye Camera in the 1890's. Imported by Blair from England, they were
noted for their quality and commanded higher prices. The standard Blair Rapid Rectilinear lens
cost $12, whereas the Taylor, Taylor & Hobson cost $25 with the iris aperture
option. At more than double the cost of
the standard lens, this is why fewer Hawk-Eyes today are found equipped with it. The lens is engraved "Taylor Taylor
& Hobson, Leicester, The Blair Camera Co., Sole Agents, U.S.A., 6-18
IN D." along with its serial
number.
Ad from Blair's Catalogue of Hawk-Eye
Cameras and Photographic Supplies, 1898
Hawk-Eye Camera with Taylor, Taylor
& Hobson Rapid Rectilinear Lens