A Lancaster Gem Apparatus
Lancaster and Sons
Category
Photographic technology
Date
1880
Materials
Mahogany, Fabric, Brass, Glass, Enamel
Measurements
160 x 115 x 140 mm
Collection
Fox Talbot Museum, Wiltshire
NT 1525710.1
Summary
A Lancaster Gem Apparatus. The apparutus is mahogany and has a fabric bellows allowing the lens panel to move with respect to the focus plane. This movement was controlled by a rack and pinion part of which is itemised seperately with the ancilliaries. There were twelve identical lenses, of which only four are in position and a further six are with ancilliaries. The lenses are held in a solid brass plate and the unit gives 12 images on a plate all within a frame of 100mm x 60mm. The only form of shutter is a wooden door on the front of the unit with a control handle. An enamel plate on the top of the camera reads 'J.Lancaster & Son Birmingham', and below it a metal plate which is barely legible reads 'The Tella Camera Co., 110 Shaftsbury Avenue, London W.'
Provenance
Donated on 3/10/2019 to the Fox Talbot Museum by D. Tonge.
Makers and roles
Lancaster and Sons, manufacturer