Impressive Instatograph Camera, Very Well Preserved. England, 1893

Antique Instantograph folding camera made in Birmingham, England in 1893. This is a high-quality camera that was very popular and renowned in its time. The cameras box is made of solid mahogany wood and the rest of the component parts are made of golden brass. All the pieces are very well preserved, including the black leather bellow. The camera has not been tested with film. The cameras box has two small bone-colored plates embedded in the wood, with red engraved inscriptions. One of them reproduces the models name, The Instantograph PATENT, and the other shows the manufacturers name: J. LANCASTER & SON BIRMINGHAM. The Lancaster Instantograph is a ¼ plate camera with Lancasters Patent Instantaneous Lens. The company J. Lancaster was founded in 1835 by James Lancaster to manufacture spectacles, microscopes and telescopes. In 1871 William Lancaster, Jamess son, entered the firm and its name was changed for J. Lancaster & Son. It was around this time when they started manufacturing cameras until they became a referent in their field. In 1925 James Lancaster died. The firm kept on until 1955. The camera that we can see in these images can be easily folded and unfolded thanks to the good condition of all its pieces and metal parts. The mahogany wood is greatly preserved, with a lovely transparent protecting finish that enhances its beauty. The brass component parts also look great, being all original from the era. The camera comes with an extra eyepiece that can be removed. Because of its ancient age and good look this Instantograph camera will shine in any room, study or business. Measurements (Open): Width: 9.8 in / 25 cm. Height: 7.4 in / 19 cm.