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 6¾ x 3¼ and 7¼ x 4½ inch formats. It also featured a rising front and swing back.

The camera shown is a fine example of Model 421 (6¾ x 3¼ 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 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). Lancaster did also offer a stereoscopic shutter.