An antique epidiascope or opaque projector, similar in operation to a magic lantern but designed to project images from a printed card rather than a glass projection slide. This particular model, the 'Mirroscope' was made in the United States by the Buckeye Stereopticon Company in Cleveland, Ohio and is the 1912 model. Unusually, it is fitted with twin gas burners - likely for use with acetylene gas - with two heat stacks directly above for allowing the heat to escape. The item to projected would have been affixed to card holder to the inside of the hinged door, with the brightly illuminated subject projected through the lens to the front. Again, this brass lens is an unusual and possibly later refinement, with other mirroscopes that I have sold having been fitted with a simple integral lens. This large projector stands 39cm high and is 35cm in width.

The instrument is sold complete with a complete set of Primus projection post cards entitled 'Foolish Bird', as published by W Butcher and Sons of London in the late 1890s. These images were identical to those used on the company's successful Junior Lecture Series of glass magic lantern slides, but were printed onto card instead of glass and were in their mirror image for projection using an episcope, epidiascope or simple mirrorscope. Each card measures 8cm x 14cm.

Condition: Projector in good, original/unrestored antique condition with original 'Russian Iron' finish, paintwork and maker's marks throughout. Minor surface oxidation and a couple of small indentations. Brass lens in good order, the focusing controls operating correctly without slippage to the rack and pinion. The optics generally clear with minor surface marks and dust. Mirrors intact, again with minor surface marks and dirt. For obvious reasons the gaslights have not been fired up and the projector is thus sold as seen and untested. The Primus cards are a complete set, all in good condition, with minor edge wear.