Synchrophone 16mm cine projector.
Synchrophone Ltd
Category
Photographic technology
Date
1930
Materials
Wood, Brass, Leather, Bakelite
Measurements
280 x 290 x 249 mm
Place of origin
London
Collection
Fox Talbot Museum, Wiltshire
NT 1525265
Summary
Synchrophone 16mm cine projector. The whole is mounted in a wooden box. On the top of the box is a carrying handle which is made of leather over spring steel retained by 2 metal blocks. To the front of the carrying handle is what appears to be a volume control knob marked of bakelite and marked S and F. The top of the box has 4 brass corner covers. The front of the box as defined by the projector lens is unremarkable and comprises a wooden panel with a lens projecting through a bakelite disc which is marked 0-10. Both side panels open hinging downwards. The right hand side when the unit is in use contains the light source and the film management functions; these are all constructed in brass even the 2, clawed film transit drums. The brass housing through which the spindles project is secured by 4 large brass bolts and is stamped with the patent no 334532. The side panel is hinged on brass hinges and is reinforced with brass corner covers which are screwed to the wooden panel. There is a spring loaded ball closure and on the outside a brass handle which becomes a foot in use. Inside the panel is an oval plate stamped – Synchrophone Ltd, Model Y09 series 6, Head Office, 24 Burners Street, London W1 The right hand quarter of the back panel opens to the rear to allow the film spool arms to be deployed. The left side panel is not protected by brass corner covers and so is probably not designed to be opened during use. There is a spring loaded ball closure and on the outside a brass handle which becomes a foot in use. Inside at the front is the electric motor which has a plate on the top which shows the logo for Vac Tric Ltd, London, NW. Amps .33, periods 50, phase 1 and HP1 over 50. Serial no A004. Forward of the motor there is a transformer to adjust the voltage to 200, 220 or 240 volts. Above there is a brass drum connected to the film management system by a spring steel belt which is presumed to be the same system. The back of the box has a ventilation port with a baker light surround, top left, top middle is a bakelite switch plate with 2 switches marked 2 and 3, 2 is the light and 3 is the motor. Bottom middle there is a baker light connection point for the electric supply. Under the panel that opens for the spool arms to be activated is a semi circular retaining plate which ensures that the panel opens to the exact position. There are 4 rubber feet which are now perished causing the screws to be prominent and there is a ventilation panel under the film management mechanism.
Provenance
Part of the Fenton Collection. A gift from British Film Institute in 2017. From 1986-1999, part of BFI collection for the Museum of the Moving Image. BFI purchased collection in 1986 from James Fenton's Museum of Photography, Port Erin, Isle of Man 1976-1986.
Makers and roles
Synchrophone Ltd, manufacturer