A rare pair of dissolving view magic lanterns by the London maker, Newton & Co. The lanterns were designed to be operated in tandem, allowing one image to be 'dissolved' into another to give the impression of movement or the passage of time. The configuration is a little different to a 'biunial' lantern, where one projector was mounted above another, but the effect is just the same. The two projectors would have been carefully set up in precise alignment using their transit case as a stand, secured using the mounting screws provided. Then, a simple toothed dissolving mechanism (missing on this example but illustrated on the maker's label) was attached to a pivot point to the front, operated by a handle to achieve the desired effect. Pushing the handle in one direction allowed one of the lanterns to project an image while at the same time blocking off light from the other - and vice versa when the handle was pulled in the opposite direction.

As shown in the images, the two projectors are precise mirror images of each other, one with a side door and focusing control to the right hand side and the other with these on the left. Both lanterns bear embossed brass makers plates bearing the words "Newton and Co Opticians, 3 Fleet Street, Temple Bar, London". Each lantern is fitted with a spirit burner, one with a brass plate marked "Refulgent Lamp for Magic Lanterns, Patent No 1957", which was a patent registered to Newton & Co. Each burner is fitted with two-part extending chimney. Focusing of the identical lenses is achieved by sliding them backwards and forwards within their housing, with precise adjustment achieved by rack and pinion. When in use, the set-up measures 52cm wide x 96cm high x 49cm deep, but everything can be compactly stowed in the transit case measuring 34cm x 29cm x 52cm. Affixed to the inside of the case are the original operating instructions.

Condition: This rare item shows a considerable degree of wear, making it an ideal candidate for full restoration. The notable omission is the dissolving mechanism to the front, but a replacement could be fabricated. Usefully, the operating instructions provide a sketch of a suitable design. Both lanterns are in reasonably good shape, with only minor indentations to the tinplate. There are, however, numerous scratches and losses to the original paintwork. Both brass makers plates are present. One of the side door hinges has become partially detached and will require soldering back into place. The lenses are good, free from chips, cracks, haze and fungus and the brass components retain their original protective lacquer. On both lenses, the focusing adjustment works correctly without slippage to the rack and pinion. Both internal condensing lenses are present. The spirit burners are mismatched, with only one bearing the embossed Newton & Co plate. Neither has been tested and are not recommended for use because of the high temperatures involved. Both lanterns have been tested using an independent light source and have been found to be functioning correctly. The wooden transit case bears a great deal of wear, giving it a tremendous sense of age and history. If preferred, it could be sanded down and refinished, with loss of patina. There are a couple of shrinkage splits to the top of the case and a few old worm holes (treated). The maker's instruction label to the inside is present, with stains, foxing and minor losses.

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