A superb quality and unusually large late Victorian magic lantern from the workshops of Josiah Thomas Chapman of Manchester. Chapman (pictured, stock image/not included) founded his company in 1887, operating from premises in the city's Albert Square. He ran a firm of dispensing chemists, later manufacturing early dry plate cameras and other optical equipment including magic lanterns. His products were of the highest quality. This particular lantern, which bears an embossed maker's plate to the lens board is fitted with bellows extension and a 12" projection lens, and is sold complete with its original limelight burner, hydrogen tap, pressure gauge, a couple of boxes for Mabor limes, high quality RR Beard 'Eclipse' slide carrier, and a bespoke wooden transit case. It is an impressive and beautifully made lantern, standing 46cm high and measuring a staggering 86cm when the bellows are fully extended.

Early magic lanterns used simple spirit burners but the lanternists of the day were constantly striving for new ways to generate a brighter image for their audiences. Limelight burners heated a cylindrical block of calcium oxide in an oxyhydrogen flame, the block becoming white hot when up to temperature. The result was an intensity of light that the makers claimed to be 2,000 times brighter than a candle! The significant downside was that these burners also produced phenomenal amounts of heat, this being the exact same technology that is used to cut and weld metals!

The limelight burner in this lantern is of typical form, with separate inlet valves for Hydrogen and Oxygen (denoted by 'H' and 'O') allowing the mixture of gases and intensity of flame to be accurately controlled. An arrangement of cogs allowed the lime block to be rotated, raised and lowered.

Condition: Overall this lantern is in excellent condition. The woodwork is beautiful, still with original French Polish showing only minor blemishes. The brass components are very good. The lens is excellent, the barrel still with its protective lacquer. The lens optics are clear and free from cracks, chips, haze or fungus. The focusing operates correctly without slippage to the rack and pinion. The inner condensing lens is present and in very good condition. The bellows are very good with only light wear and a couple of marks to the top. The tinplate chimney is very good condition, free from dents and any significant rust, though possibly repainted. There is provision for hanging a rear curtain. Note that the tinplate inner liner to the lamp chamber is heavily rusted with numerous holes - last image - presumably from the condensation of oxyhydrogen. This is not visible when the lantern is in use and and does not detract, but would be a problem for anyone intending to use the limelight burner (highly dangerous and not recommended!). The limelight burner itself is in very good condition. The bespoke wooden case survives in very good condition and has a working lock and key. The hydrogen pressure gauge has wear and a broken glass.

The lantern has been tested using an independent light source and has been found to deliver a strong, crisp image.

Overseas buyers are welcome - please use the contact form to request a shipping quotation.