WW2 Era British Air Ministry Williamson Co. London & Reading Air Gunner / Pilot Training G45 Electric Camera Gun, With Film Cassette & Later Display Tripod By Gandolfi London Antique & Militaria

**VERY RARE**COMPLETE**WW2 Era British Air Ministry Williamson Co. London & Reading Air Gunner / Pilot Training G45 Electric Camera Gun, With Film Cassette & Later Display Tripod By Gandolfi London. Sn 19144 - 19144

In July 1939 the G45 camera gun was issued to armament schools and fighter units. Designed and manufactured by the Williamson Co. of London and Reading, it was developed from the earlier G42B which had been in service for some years. The G45 used 16 mm Orthochromatic film supplied in 7.62 m (25 ft) lengths. Frame speeds could be regulated to 16, 18 or 20 per second, these speeds corresponding to the rates of fire of the Lewis, Vickers K and Browning. It was supplied in two versions, the fixed gun type with a short lens unit, and a long lens for other use. The G45 proved to be an essential aid to aerial gunnery, enabling a trainee to be shown the results of their ‘shooting’ after an exercise and be advised on any improvements needed. In the centre of the recorder was a ‘sunny or cloudy’ switch wired to the aperture of the camera. Early problems with condensation and moisture were eased when heating elements were fitted to the lens and camera body, although they were never fully overcome. The film was loaded into a cassette, which could be inserted either from the top or side of the housing. The G45 was one of the most practical means of weapon aiming training, and the gun camera hut in gunnery training schools was in constant use. A purpose-made cine-projector made by Specto Ltd of Windsor was used to show films. It could show frame stills or slow motion shots of the trainees’ performance. This is an excellent very rare to find WW” era British Air Ministry Williamson G45 electric camera gun with film cassette mounted on later tripod for display. This G45 camera with the extension lens is mounted onto a fixing bracket and then onto the Type 29 mount with trigger action etc. It retains much of the original paint finish and all parts have the original Air Ministry & Manufacturer data plaques (all illustrated). The camera gun itself measures 39 ½” overall length. All parts are present and although we have not tested the camera we cannot see any reason why it would not work. The tripod is Gandolfi London labelled. The camera mounted on its tripod is approx. 50” height extendable to approx. 75” height. The price for this very rare piece includes UK delivery. Sn 19144

£1,875.00