A Victorian camera projector/enlarger used for projecting glass slides and made from mahogany, brass, glass and fabric and including a small set of slides. This item is sold as a decorative curiosity but could possibly be functional if required, please see the detail below.
 
Starting from the rear we see a metal flap that would have supported a hood, in front of this is the chamber for the light source, in this case with a chimney so we can see that it would have held a burner (no longer present), but if used today a cleaner light source would probably be more appropriate, it has a red glass window so that it could have been seen when it was alight. This rear section can be pulled back to extend the bellows in front and it also houses the slide. In front of this a mahogany case holds two large convex lenses and in front of this the bellows and brass lens, the front section is extended by turning the knob at the front. Both sets of bellows have splits, we have chosen to leave this item in original condition as a decorative piece but these splits could easily be repaired with fabric tape, if required.
The lens is engraved with the wording "J. Lancaster & Son Birmingham 1/4 plate Bectigraph Patent", thus allowing us to date the projector as being after 1871, see below.
 
In 1835 James Lancaster founded the optician firm of J. Lancaster for the manufacture of spectacles, large microscopes and telescopes. the original firm was located on Bull Street, Birmingham. From approximately 1853 until 1907 the firm was located at 37 Colmore Row, Birmingham. Lancaster did not have a central factory, rather a series of individual shops that produced his camera.
 
In 1870, the company was managed by J. Lancaster's son, William James Lancaster. In approximately 1871 The firms name was changed to include Mr Lancaster's son William James, and the new name was J. Lancaster & Son. It was around this time period that records indicate the Lancaster's were in the photographic business and W. J. recorded as a driving force of bringing hand photography to the public.
 
This is a wonderful, perhaps quirky, item, a great talking point and interior design piece, manufactured of the best materials and to the highest standards.
 
The camera measures 39 (65 when extended) x 16 x 36cm (15.35" (25.6”)x 6.3" x 14.17") when open.