We suppose that it is English made lens based on the crown and focal lengths marked in inches.
Quite used condition. Diaphragm is stuck. So, the lens needs servicing.
REF. ¹14À /843
It is a lens issued by the British government's Air Ministry, possibly for use during the Second World war 1939-1945, as I've noticed the reference numbers on other equipment for air photography of that period also starts with '14A', for example I have 16mm cine gun-cameras used in Spitfire & Hurrican fighter aircraft wings that start '14A'. Your lens may have been for use on large roll-film cameras, taking photos from the air of ground targets? 5" equals 127mm focal-length. It could have been issued in the 8th month August of 1943. (thanks to Martin Stent for this info).
This product was added to our catalog on Wednesday 15 November, 2006.
