Set of two spy-type cameras. In original wooden box, Photore - Lot 753

Set of two spy-type cameras. In original wooden box, Photoret camera with 10/10 mm meniscus lens (circa 1893) and a Rower camera (original box). As is. N.B. Jean-Marie PRADES: (...) In the USA, the Photoret was the first camera manufactured in this form (watch). The initial patent was registered with the German Casler on July 25, 1893. It was manufactured by Magic Introduction C° in New York. The sensitive plate is a flexible round film 50 mm in diameter, which allows six 12 mm square views to be taken. The film is housed at the rear of the camera in a darkroom with a screw-on lid. The front of the camera can be moved by jerks, each jerk representing 1/6 of a turn, arming the shutter and rotating the exposure window and lens. The lens is a single lens diaphragm at f/10 with a focal length of 10 mm. (...) The camera is delivered in a small wooden case containing its instruction manual and a metal box with two compartments for storing exposed and blank film (...). Visuals and texts "Autour d'une collection2 " Collection JMP Club Niépce Lumière, p. 164. Expert Isabelle Cazeils. Provenance: Jean-Marie PRADES Collection. Two spy cameras.