Lot 988: A Vintage Gnome Alpha Hammered Metal Enlarger Head
A vintage Gnome Alpha hammered metal enlarger head, designed for darkroom photographic processing. The unit features a conical metal housing finished in a characteristic grey hammered enamel. It incorporates an adjustable black concertina bellows section and a mounting flange for a lens, which is currently absent. An integrated red safety filter is mounted on a pivoting arm at the base of the bellows. The housing is fitted with a length of older-style power cable and a white plastic plug. An oval metallic badge is affixed to the main body, printed with the text GNOME BRITISH MADE within a black border. Adjacent to this is a rectangular plate with a diagonal division, featuring script lettering reading Alpha on a black ground and Gnome vertically on a lighter section. A white paper adhesive label is present, reading HCP Auctions South West Lot 988 www.hcpauctions.net.
Condition report:
The grey hammered finish is largely intact, though minor surface scuffing and small areas of paint loss are visible near the edges (photo 1). The bellows show significant dust accumulation but appear to be free from major tears or holes (photo 1). The red safety filter is present and functional on its pivot (photo 1). The enlarger head is sold as an incomplete unit, missing the original lens, supporting column, and baseboard (photo 1). The electrical components are of an older design and have not been tested for safety or operation; a professional inspection is recommended before use.
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