The 1888 Patent "Le Merveilleux"

The 1888 Patent "Le Merveilleux"

J. Lancaster & Son

Le Merveilleux was Lancaster's lowest priced series of cameras for the amateur. The camera itself is a primitive folding view design constructed of polished mahogany with brass trim. A simple meniscus achromatic lens, standard for the Le Merveilleux, was mounted in a brass tube that slides forwards and backwards for focusing.

This example is the tiny 1/4 plate model exhibiting an understated yet elegant appearance. Lancaster offered the camera in plate sizes ranging from 1/4 through 12" x 10" as noted in a reference entitled "How To Be A Successful Amateur Photographer".

Also see:

The 1893 Instantograph Patent Page

Lancaster Stereo Instantograph Page

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