Lancaster Watch Camera "Mens Model"

1½ x 2 inch Improved-pattern patent watch camera with nickel-plated body, six part sprung telescoping section, decoratively engraved cover engraved J. Lancaster & Sons, Birmingham. Patent. , Grubb-type achromatic lens in a sprung brass drop shutter, rear ground glass retaining frame and two brass single dark slides. The early (Ladies) models had simple rotary shutters which were turned by hand, these were replaced in 1890 by an Improved-pattern camera with a simple drop shutter. The Lancaster watch camera had disappeared from the British Journal Photographic almanac by 1896, although it is likely that any manufacture had creased well before this. Provenance: Christie's, London South Kensington, December 9th 1991, Lot 219.