A fine quality Victorian wood and brass magic lantern with bellows extension by Archer and Sons of Liverpool. This great looking projector measures an impressive 69cm (28") at maximum extension and stands 40cm (16") high. A brass maker's plaque to the right hand side reads "Archer and Sons, 73 Lord Street, Liverpool". Sold together with an early R R Beard 'Eclipse' slide changer and a couple of 3¼" glass slides, as shown.

Archer and Sons operated from 1848 until the late 1890s and became one of the largest lantern manufacturers in the North of England.

Condition: The projector survives in super condition. The woodwork is protected by its original French Polish, which retains good colour and shine and just the right amount of patina. There is light blistering around the rear doors from the heat of limelight burner, though nothing that detracts. The lens barrel still has its original protective lacquer and is in fabulous condition. The optics are very good. The focusing adjustment operates correctly without slippage to the rack and pinion. Elsewhere, the brass components all show a little oxidation, consistent with age. The bellows are very good, with some edge wear which is most evident when fully extended. The chimney and cowl have their original Russian Iron finish, now with a little surface rust. The internal condensing lens is present and in good order. There is no rear door, illuminant or rear curtain (though one could be fitted). This lantern has been tested using an independent light source and been found to be in good working order. It would be an ideal candidate for fitting a modern, halogen lamp for recreating the lantern shows of years gone by.

Overseas buyers are welcome - please use the contact form to request a shipping quotation. With regret, I am no longer able to send items to mainland Europe due to GPSR regulations.