Bauchet Mosquito I |
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Manufactured or assembled in France from (Circa) 1955 to (After) 1955.
Index of rarity in France: Infrequent (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 13875
See the complete technical specifications
Chronology of cameras Bauchet
The cameras bearing the Bauchet brand are few in number, which is normal since the eponymous company only produced photographic consumables.
To add a few cameras to its catalog, it had to rely on subcontracting. Apart from a hypothetical box camera, there is only one model of camera, the Mosquito.
There were two versions, the I and the II. They were sold simultaneously, differing in technical specifications. For each one, variants can be found.
Mosquito I | Mosquito II | |
Shutter | P/I | 1/25, 1/100, P |
Flash | No | Variant 2.1 : single synchro, Mechanical connection via the tripod nut. Shoe riveted on the top. Variant 2.2 : double pin, one for synchronization, the other for attaching the flash. |
Misc. | Variant 1.1 : The tail of the letter 'Q' in Mosquito extending to the right. Variant 1.2 : The tail of the letter 'Q' in Mosquito extending to the left. |
Lens Superitar Paris |
Blueish lens surround | Yes |
Yes |
The double pin (2.2) flash connection models came after the single sync socket (2.1) ones. Advertisements from 1958 still show the first version.
The manufacturing was done by Fex, and even though the cameras don't resemble those of that brand, some commonalities can still be found, such as the tube or the shape of the dials.
The 1955 France Photo catalog shows a Mosquito with a peculiar decoration. Although the text mentions both versions, the photograph doesn't correspond to either of them. In the next catalog, at the end of the same year, this anomaly disappears. The first illustration is likely a pre-production model, as the catalog was prepared before the start of mass production.
![](../../bauchet/images/Brevet_FR1127871.png)
Until now, we were familiar with specimens where the letter Q in the word "Mosquito" had long tails extending to the right or short tails extending to the left. However, in these documented specimens, the lens always had a blue ring, intended to suggest that the lens was treated for color photography.
In this specimen, with the letter Q having a short tail, the ring behind the lens is present, but it is black. No explanation for this difference has been found.
![Bauchet Mosquito I](../../bauchet/images/Bauchet_Mosquito_I.jpg )
![Survolez l'image](../../navigation/survol.png)
Bauchet History (by J. Bratières, S. Halgand)
1900s
This period witnesses the rise of photography and postcard publishing. In Rueil, around ten colorization companies are engaged in these activities, purchasing photographic paper; they are referred to as "bromiders." Most of these companies source their paper from Piprot establishments, specialized in photosensitive surfaces.
1910s
In September 1910, Messrs. Marie Magloire Ernest Bauchet, a chemist, and Louis Charles Adolphe Joseph de Poix, a central engineer, establish the Bauchet establishments at 29 rue du Vieux Pont in Rueil and register a trademark for photographic products: "BPA initials between two five-pointed stars." The company produces heliographic papers. In 1912, they move to the premises of Piprot Photographic Establishments on Boulevard Léon Louesse. It is likely that Bauchet Establishments succeed Piprot Establishments. The de Poix family will play a role in the industrial life of Rueil and other cities.
In 1914, Mr. Bauchet participates in the war as a nurse and is discharged in 1915. De Poix is mobilized throughout the war and is decorated as a Knight of the Legion of Honour. In 1918, Gauthier de Poix, Charles's brother, joins the company. He advocates for the establishment of a paper production factory specific to Bauchet, which becomes operational in 1929.
1920s
In 1923, the capital is increased to 200,000 francs, and a school of photography and cinema is established by Bauchet. In 1924, the headquarters is relocated to 182 Avenue Paul Doumer in Rueil. Throughout its existence, Bauchet Company files patents related to film chemistry, manufacturing, and rapid photocopying techniques. In 1927, Bauchet advertises for the search of images for its own advertisements. In 1928, the company introduces a radio set, the Super-Ixi.
1930s
By 1930, the factory employs over 400 people and occupies 35,000 square meters; it is the only one in Europe producing its own paper. Products are exported worldwide. The capital increases from 601,000 francs to 1,601,000 francs, and the company's duration is extended to 90 years. In 1931, Bauchet receives the Grand Prix at the Colonial Exhibition organized by "Le Photographe." In 1932, Bauchet manufactures 1 million postcards per day. The capital is increased to 2,300,000 francs in 1937.
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The 13th Exhibition of Photography and Cinema in 1936 |
1940s
At the beginning of the occupation, the factory continues its operations, almost as if nothing has changed (October 1940).
During the occupation, the establishments are compelled by the occupiers to work for Perutz, the German counterpart of Bauchet. After Liberation, Bauchet seeks compensation for war damages (3.8 million francs at the time). An additional 10 million francs will be required to strengthen the floors and repair the roofs of the factory.
In 1941, Marie Magloire Ernest Bauchet passes away, and Louis Charles de Poix continues alone. In the same year, De Poix and other industrialists establish the Groupement Interprofessionnel de Nanterre-Rueil (GINR) with the objectives of assisting member companies, providing training, establishing medical support, and managing relations with the occupiers (STO - Service du Travail Obligatoire).
In 1942, a branch is established at 44 Rue d'Amsterdam in Paris, which will exist until 1948. In 1944, the products manufactured by Bauchet for Otto Perutz are placed under sequestration.
In 1949, Bauchet's logo changes. The new logo features the silhouette of the Château de la Malmaison in Rueil, enclosed within a circle.
1950s
In 1950, Louis Charles de Poix also passes away. At this time, the company employs 500 people, and there are still five "bromiders" in Rueil. Louis de Poix succeeds his father. Bauchet launches the Rolla brand of films. The factory covers 4 hectares and annually produces 15 million square meters of photosensitive surfaces (equivalent to the surface area of Rueil). The company also manufactures non-flammable film in tri-acetate cellulose for industrial photography and cinema.
The business is transformed into a Société Anonyme (public limited company) in 1951. Throughout its existence, Bauchet is very active in terms of marketing (referred to as propaganda at the time), both in presenting the company and its products.
In 1951, the grand Rolla competition, for the absent-minded photographer, offers a Renault 4CV as the first prize.
For several years, starting in 1953, the Bauchet brand becomes a significant advertiser in the bi-monthly professional magazine "Le Photographe," consistently utilizing the back cover for an advertorial, known as the "Bulletin d'information Bauchet." Once the pure advertising content is set aside, a wealth of information about the company and its operations remains.
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Bauchet company booth in 1951 | in 1954 |
![](../../bauchet/images/Riva-bella_6.jpg)
On June 21, 1955, 350 employees of Bauchet took part in an excursion on the beach of Riva-Bella. An amphibious truck (Rolla-Boat), owned by Bauchet and used for advertising purposes, had been brought to the beach by road.
Two pilots, Henri Guadebois and his brother Camille, had conducted preliminary tests, deemed satisfactory despite rough sea conditions.
The sea outings began without any issues, providing an enjoyable ride for the passengers.
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However, during the fourth outing, the engine of the Rolla-Boat stalls about 200 meters from the shore. Despite attempts to restart it, the situation deteriorates rapidly. Some passengers manage to evacuate successfully as the water is shallow. The truck rests on its wheels, but most passengers refuse to leave the boat, underestimating the imminent danger.
![](../../bauchet/images/Riva-bella_2.jpg)
![](../../bauchet/images/Riva-bella_3.jpg)
A dual investigation is launched by maritime authorities and the public prosecutor's office in Caen to determine the causes of the accident and any potential liabilities. Questions arise regarding the safety of the amphibious vehicle and the passengers' response to the danger.
The funerals of the victims, predominantly employees of the Bauchet establishments, take place in Rueil-Malmaison after a religious ceremony.
Paris-Match dedicated a portion of its issue number 326 to this tragedy. The photos are taken from this issue. (Courtesy of Paris-Match)
Note: The vehicle mentioned is a DUKW used by the U.S. military during World War II. .
![](../../bauchet/images/DUKW.png)
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Bauchet in Rueil-Malmaison. Postcard from 1958 depicting a model of the Bauchet Establishments (Collection P.H). |
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Exposure Calculation Table (Collection JPV) |
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A series of advertising postcards |
60's and 70's
In 1965, 3M acquires Bauchet-Rolla. In 1968 and 1969, the two widows of the founders pass away. Local production comes to a halt in 1970. The site continues to handle the development and technical support of sales. 3M leaves Rueil at the end of the 1990s.
Present Day
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Photo actuelle (Google Maps) montrant l'emprise de l'usine et du siège. |
Acknowledgments : Rueil-Malmaison, terre d'entreprise d'Arnaud Bethonnet et Sylvie Gousset, Etienne Gérard, Collection L'obturateur, Georges Pitiot, Michel Duvernois, Archives municipales de Rueil-Malmaison, Club Niepce Lumière, BNF
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![]() Appareil Photo BAUCHET MOSQUITO II avec sa sacoche - 1958 - Format 6x9 30,00 euros Finira le 17-08-2024 à 19:50:48 | ![]() Appareil photo ancien MOSQUITO II, année 1948, BAUCHET, 6 X 9 FORMAT 19,00 euros Finira le 26-08-2024 à 13:44:44 |