Date of CP Goerz Double Anastigmatic (Dagor) Lens

[paul_brenner1]

I'm a large format b&w photographer with a great interest in classic

lenses, of which I have a number, in addition to some modern lenses.

 

My first, and one of my oldest, lenses, is a CP Goerz Berlin Series

III f/6.8, 8 inch "Goerz Double Anastigmatic" (Dagor) in a compound

shutter (which believe it or not works well!)

 

From reading Kingslake and Vade Mecum, I know that because it

says "Goerz Double Anastigmatic" instead of "Dagor", it is prior to

1904, when they began to use the name "Dagor" (apparently to

differentiate themselves from the other double anastigmatics.) But

as a matter of pure curiosity, I'd love to know the exact year.

 

The serial number is 140390. Does anyone know of a site or other

source which provides a cross reference between Goerz/Dagor serial

numbers and year of manufacture? Right now I know that it is between

1892 and 1904.

 

Thanks,

 

Paul

[paul_brenner1]

While I'd still be curious if there is a cross-link table, by reading Vade Mecum more carefully, I have part of the answer (if it's accurate.)

 

Vade Mecum indicates that Series III in the "Double Anastigmatic" series (prior to using the Dagor name) dates from 1900. So it appears the lens was manufactured between 1900 and 1904.

 

Paul

[michael_gudzinowicz1]

1903.

 

Search Google Groups for "Goerz serial numbers". There were a number of threads on dating Goerz lenses on rpelf a few years ago.

 

Mike.

[ole_tjugen]

Are you sure about the designation?

 

Yours is probably made by someone else on license - the "proper" C P Goerz Berlin lenses had focal lengths in mm and were named "Doppel-Anastigmat".

 

The compound shutter is newer than 1904. That it works well is no surprise, though :)

[c_p_goerz]

The lens was finally completed on September 23rd at 3.47pm 1903. The final optical

bench test was given by Otto Plankshaft who deemed it above average and gave it his

stamp before it was sent to the shipping department. Otto had just been given the news

that he was the proud father of twins and he was allowed to leave work early. Some

anecdotal evidence does mention that Emil von Hoegh slapped him on the back and called

him the true 'double' anastigmat and his nickname from that day was 'doppeldaddy'.

 

 

The lens was then sent via steamer to New York where it was coupled up to a shutter

about thirty years later. The lens has seen action in both world wars and was used as both

a portrait lens and as a landscape lens used for battlefront recon. A shellburst close by did

some damage(during WW1) to the front ring that was replaced at the factory free of charge

since the owner in the US was an expat with some connections in the food distribution

services for the British troops.

 

 

My records after 1950 are a bit sketchy but I hope that helps!

 

 

CP Goerz

[paul_brenner1]

Michael, thanks. I found the sites.

 

Ole, you are right. The shutter says "CP Goerz Berlin", but the lens has a US patent number (I hadn't focused on that before.) Interesting that there is no "Goerz American Optical Co." or similar notation.

 

Paul