Vintage June 1972 Henry Royce 10 HP Engine No.2 & Gearbox Photograph - 1904 Manchester

An exceptional, historically significant original June 1972 silver gelatin darkroom photograph documenting the very dawn of British luxury automotive engineering. This crisp black-and-white landscape print captures the ultra-rare 1904 Royce 10 Horsepower Engine No. 2 and its exposed gearbox on display at the Manchester Museum (Science & Industry). Built by Henry Royce in Manchester, this twin-cylinder mechanical masterpiece represents his earliest manufacturing work—predating his legendary 1906 partnership with Charles Rolls.

Unique Archival Correction on Reverse: The back of this true period print is highly significant. It features the official ink stamp: "Copyright John Day 6/72", alongside a handwritten title where the photographer initially penned "Rolls-Royce" but manually crossed out the word "Rolls" to accurately reflect the 1904 pre-partnership "Royce" origin. In the background of the gallery, exhibits of a Merlin and a Derwent jet engine are visible, creating an incredible visual timeline of British engineering mastery.

Item Specifics:

  • Subject: 1904 Royce 10 h.p. Twin-Cylinder Engine No. 2 and Gearbox

  • Location: Manchester Museum of Science and Industry, UK

  • Date of Photo: June 1972 (Hand-annotated and backstamped "6/72")

  • Medium: Original silver gelatin photographic print on premium glossy paper

  • Dimensions: Approx. 8 inches x 5 inches (20 cm x 12.5 cm)

  • Provenance: Authenticated by the original blue "Copyright John Day" backstamp and manual handwritten correction on the reverse.

Condition Report:

  • Excellent Vintage Condition: Outstanding visual clarity with a sharp, deep-focus view across the intricate mechanical gears, levers, and engine casing.

  • Displays only very light, superficial surface handling and negligible edge rubbing consistent with careful archive storage. Free from creases, tears, folds, or stains. Reverse handwriting and copyright stamp are perfectly clean and clear. Please reference gallery file image_ea4baf.jpg for full view.

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