This is an early falling plate magazine camera. It is well-made with a good lens and would have given good results. Focusing is by a key on the bottom of the camera. A string extends through the camera body operating a metal plate to block out the light when setting the shutter.

The general design of the camera was patented by T. Miller who sold it as the Adelphi Hand Camera. It was on sale, by Miller, until the early 1900s. Several lenses were sold with the Adelphi. Made in quarter-plate, 5" x 4" and stereo sizes. A reference from 1893 states that Miller's new Adelphi camera 'has now a simple but ingenious attachment in the shape of a movement which both releases the shutter and elevates the flap that intervenes between the sensitive plate and the lens'.

Miller's patent mentions the fitting of a large eye-level view-finder, there is a fitting for such a finder on the Adelphi.

A camera by W.H. Tomkinson of Liverpool exists stamped with this patent.