Manufacturer of photographic studio equipment and flash powder; founded in Illinois in 1870s by American Civil War veteran James H Smith who moved from owning a photographic studio to inventing and manufacturing photographic accessories (camera stands, posing stools, burnishers and darkroom equipment); developed a new flash powder in early 1900s under brand name 'Victor'; incorporated in 1909 as James H. Smith & Sons Corp; expanded in 1920s into flash bulb and lighting manufacture; name changed 1953 to 'Smith-Victor'; sold to Promark International Inc in 1998