J LANCASTER & SONS HORIZONTAL ENLARGER
An antique horizontal enlarger by J Lancaster and Son of Birmingham. The company was established by James Lancaster in 1835 and is best known for its cameras including the popular ‘Instantograph’ range. However, it also made lenses and a wide variety of other photographic equipment including magic lanterns and enlargers. In later years the company was run by the founder’s son, William James Lancaster (pictured) and it became a limited company in 1905. This particular instrument - bearing a makers plaque embossed with the words ‘J Lancaster & Son Limited, Birmingham’ most likely dates to the early 1910s. The instrument is constructed in mahogany with brass fixings, with magnification and bellows extension being achieved by twin worm screws. Inside, there are a pair of condensing lenses. Height 15” (38cm) and length 41” (104cm) at maximum extension. Luminaire and objective lens absent. NOT FOR SALE.