A very large antique tinplate, brass and wood magic lantern by John Lizars of Glasgow. This monster of a lantern, which survives in lovely condition, measures an astonishing 85cm with the triple extension lens at its maximum length. A maker's plate to the wooden stand reads "Challenge Model C, J Lizars, Glasgow, London, Edinburgh, Belfast and Aberdeen". The lens, which is fitted with a 7" objective, is by John Wrench of London, being engraved with company's distinctive propeller emblem and the words "J. W. Trade Mark, Established 1816, London Made".

Lizars established his company in 1830, operating initially from Glasgow’s Merchant City and making a wide variety of optical and scientific instruments. By the 1880s the business had grown significantly, with larger premises in Glasgow’s Buchannan Street and additional branches in Edinburgh and Belfast. Later still it expanded further into London and Aberdeen. This lantern most likely dates to the latter years of the Lizars production line, perhaps dating to some time between 1900 and 1910. It stands 52cm high, is 25cm wide and measures 85cm with the lens at maximum extension. This excludes the rear curtain rail, which adds a further 15cm.

The lantern is sold together with a slide changer and a couple of nice lantern slides in the standard 3¼" format.

Condition: A great survivor! The tinplate components retain their original 'Russian Iron' finish which survives in good original condition with only very minor wear and oxidation. The lens optics are good. The triple extension lens housing is excellent and retains just the right amount of stiffness. The focusing mechanism operates correctly and without slippage to the rack and pinion. Internally, the condensing lens is present and in good condition. There is no lamp holder but the lantern has been tested using an independent light source and has been found to deliver a strong, crisp image. It would be a great candidate for fitting a modern low voltage halogen light source and is perfectly capable of recreating the slide shows of years gone by.