Photoret

Designed by W.K.L. Dickson and patented by Herman Casler.
Manufactured by the Magic Introduction Co.
New York, N.Y.
ca. 1894

This is a rigid-bodied camera in the shape of a pocket watch for six hexagonal exposures, 13 x 13 mm on a 1 3/4” sheet of celluloid film. While the camera was quite popular in America, it attained even more popularity in France.  By shifting the “ring” and “stem”, the shutter was cocked.  Pressing the “winding knob” would release it.  The Photoret was the first American-made watch detective camera.  List price was $2.50 with 6 sheets of film.