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Stereo Instantograph, c.1891 |
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J. Lancaster & Son
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Lancaster was founded as a spectacle maker and optician in 1835 and later became involved in photographic goods around 1876 or a few
years earlier. In 1882, Lancaster introduced three series of dry-plate field cameras, the Le Merveilleux, Le Meritore, and Instantograph -- there were also stereo versions of each. The Instantograph was the most advanced of the three camera series while
the Le Merveilleux was the least expensive.
Primarily a front focusing design constructed of highly polished mahogany and brass trim, the Stereo Instantograph is a wider version of the popular single lens model. As noted in a c1891 Stereo Instantograph Reference, the camera was offered in 6-3/4 x 3-1/4 and 7-1/4 x 4-1/2 inch formats. It also featured a rising front and swing back.
The camera shown is a fine example of Model 421 (6-3/4 x 3-1/4 inch format)
with matched Lancaster Instantaneous stereo lenses and very rare blue leather bellows. (Note: The larger size is Model 422.) It is complete with |
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a non-removable inner septum, stereo plate holder and hard to find brass mounted stereo lens caps (which may have acted as a simple
shutter). However, Lancaster did offer a stereoscopic shutter. |
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Also see: |
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The 1888 Patent "Le Merveilleux" Page |
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The 1893 Instantograph Patent Page |
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