"An entirely new series of folding hand-cameras introduced this year is the Ascot Series, made by Messrs. E. & H.T. Anthony & Co. of New York and Chicago. Their special features are extreme portability, fineness of construction, and their adaptability for either plates or cartridge films as the worker may desire." (The Photo-Miniature. June 1899)

After years of searching, a fine 4x5 inch format Anthony Ascot Cycle No.1 joins my 5 x 7" No.2 model. Each camera is rare and having the pair even more so.

As with the No.2, the No.1 shown here is unknown to most collectors. As background, from mid-1899 to 1900 the E. & H.T. Anthony Company created a series of folding cameras under the name "Ascot." All were made of leather covered mahogany bodies with brass hardware. It is believed the cameras were manufactured at the Scovill & Adams Connecticut factory.

Of the twenty models offered, only two 'cycle' versions had internally mounted shutters. What is surprising is that Anthony made 20 camera models in barely a year. The Ascot series was then sold to a group of four companies that merged to form the Rochester Optical and Camera Company.

In 1899, the Ascot Cycle No.1 outfit sold for $8.00 which is about $322 when inflation adjusted for 2026.