An extremely rare antique magic lantern of compact form and likely dating to the late Victorian era, circa 1880. It is of wood and brass construction with a tinplate lamp chamber, bellows extension and brass projection lens with rack and pinion focusing, and is suitable for use with glass magic lantern slides in the standard 3¼” format. The slides and slide carrier - as illustrated - are included. When not in use, the projector can be disassembled and stowed away in its wooden case measuring just 22cm x 16cm x 19cm (8½" x 6¼" x 7½”). In operation, the case functions as a stand, onto which the lens board, bellows, condensing lens assembly and lamp chamber are attached. In this form it measures 39cm x 37cm x 19cm (15" x 14½" x 7½”). Click here to see a video of how it all goes together!

Condition: The lantern is complete and in very good condition. The wooden components retain their original French Polish, still retaining good colour and shine. The case has a few surface scratches, notably to the underside. The lens is in good order, the optics being free from any chips, cracks, haze and fungus. The focusing mechanism operates correctly with slight stiffness but no slippage to the rack and pinion. The internal condensing lens is present and in good order. The bellows are in good order with slight edge wear. The tinplate lamp chamber retains its original Russian Iron finish with only light oxidation to the chimney. Blue glass missing from one of the side inspection holes. The slide carrier and lantern slides are in good condition. The lamp holder is present but currently without an electrical cable. The lantern has, nonetheless, been tested using an independent light source and has been found to be in excellent working order.