When I moved into my house a previous occupant had left a shed-load of unwanted stuff in the attic, amongst which was somethingIdontknowthenamefor.

It’s basically the scrolling-roll and machinery used for filming the end credits to a movie.

Swiss-made, quite lovely (if you’re into that sort of thing) and housed in a purpose-built wooden case. Probably dates from 30s or so, Im guessing.

Is it worthless? Seems a shame to chuck out something so unusual, specific and precision-made. Any ideas where I can find out more about it?

Not my subject, would Lacock (Fox-Talbot Museum) either be interested or know someone who is?

Is it branded?

Bolex stuff goes for decent money now, for example.

It depends on exactly what is included – if it’s just the mechanism, then that’s really specific and unless people actually want to use it, not of much value – £50 or so – maybe more for the nice box.

If it is a system which uses physical type to do the titles, and you have some of those – often made by Hernard in ceramic, “3-D title letters” these can be quite desirable for home decorating on their own, and an upmarket salvage shop might be interested, or etsy types.

Hmmm… I’ll have another look at lunchtime.

Just checked.

Yep.

It’s Bolex.

It’s an 8mm titler.