E & H.T. Anthony often exhibited a flare for innovative camera designs. Although not historically interesting, I like the Patent Novelette because it is one of Anthony's "funkier" designs.

Offered from 1886 to 1894, it is a brass trimmed mahogany view camera made in standard sizes from 4 x 5" to 11 x 14".

But it is the brass frame supported stereoscopic "round-face" feature that sets Novelette cameras apart from the others.

The round-face model was offered as a stereoscopic camera; however, the standard "square face" version could also be adapted for stereo work.

This particular camera is a double-swing, 5 x 8" model with a Darlot WA Hemispherique lens.

The round face Novelette sold for $23 in 1891, or the equivalent of $847 in 2026