J Lacaster and Son photographic equipment

[umptibuzzle]

I hoped that Birmingham History would be able to give me some information about J Lancaster and Son. They were major manufacturers and suppliers of photographic equipment and were well known for the Instantograph cameras. The information that I have so far indicates that these models were introduced from about 1892, but an advertisement in the Amateur Photographer in 1884 refers to this model, so clearly it was available in some form earlier.
I understand that by about 1900 Lancaster were possibly the largest supplier of photographic equipment.
Someone must know something or where to find the something.
Any advice will be much appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[Pedrocut]

There is evidence that a Birmingham collector, FE Beverley Hall bought a Lancaster instantograph in 1888. His first bellows-focusing camera.

 

[Pedrocut]

Lancaster advertise the Instantograph from at least 1885.

 

[Vivienne14]

I've made the thread title a little more specific and moved the thread to a different section.

 

[pjmburns]

Just checked directories for 1868, 1883 and 1900 -the only Lancaster J and Son seem to be opticians.

 

[pjmburns]

I think it is the same firm - branching out
1898 newspaper advert

 

[mikejee]

.On the camera thread, (https://birminghamhistory.co.uk/forum/threads/birmingham-camera-companies.47919/#post-595730) Viv listed this link, possibly of interest

:https://collectiblend.com/Cameras/Lancaster/

 

[mikejee]

James Lancaster is listed as a steel spectacle maker at 93 Cecil Street in Pigots 1841 directory. By 1845 he is at 67 Hanley Street and 25 Summer Lane, though that seems merely to be on a corner , so has two addresses. In 1850 he is at 7 Summer Lane plying his trade, but by 1855 he is at 5 Colmore Row. In 1867 there is a James Lancaster , manufacturing optician at 5 Colmore Row, but also a James Lancaster (perhaps his son) , steel spectacle maker, at court 1 Sherlock Street. All these, and in 1861 and 1862, just refer to opticians. However Dix's 1858 directory lists:



While the 1872 and 1873 directoies list:

 

[Stokkie]

And another thread here:
https://birminghamhistory.co.uk/forum/threads/lancaster-makers-of-cameras.58468/