An antique combined toy magic lantern and cinematograph by Georges Carette of Nuremberg, Germany dating to around 1910. Of pressed tinplate construction, it is embossed to the front with the company's emblem. It was designed for projecting 3cm wide glass lantern slides and 35mm film loops, the latter being driven by a hand operated crank to the right hand side. It stands 25cm high, excluding the film holder and measures 22cm from front to back.

From 1866 French-born Georges Carette ran a successful business in Nuremberg, Germany, specialising in mechanical tinplate toys including steam trains, clockwork cars and - as in this example - optical toys. At the outbreak of World War 1, Carette fled from Germany back to his native France and the company folded altogether in 1917.

Condition: Cosmetically very good, the instrument still retains its original paintwork with only very minor scuffs, scratches and surface oxidation. The hand crank turns freely, turning the various cogs concealed behind the red standard to the front but the cinematographic function has not been tested beyond this level. The original spirit burner is present, as is the glass chimney - albeit with damage/losses to the top (last picture). The wick is present and its height adjusts correctly by turning the handle to the side. The original cardboard box is a nice addition, but does show quite heavy wear with taped repairs to the inside. The glass slides have scratches and paint losses, consistent with age and use. The single film strip with wear and a couple of losses. Untested.