Magic lantern
Category
Toys
Date
circa 1880
Materials
Metal and brass
Measurements
335 mm (height); 145 mm (width); 445 mm (length)
Place of origin
England
Order this imageCollection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 671324
Summary
A black painted metal magic lantern with a brass lens holder. Attached to the front of the holder is a circular brass cover with 'Optimus' written on it. A hole is drilled through the centre of the cover. The rectangular metal 'housing' of the magic lantern has a hinged door on one side beneath which are ventilation holes. There are a corresponding set of ventilation holes on the other side. At the rear of the 'housing' is a hinged flap with an arched shape hole cut out at the bottom. The 'housing' is surmounted by a removable rectangular metal box with a fluted roof. Inside is an elaborate removable burner consisting of a rectangular fuel box in the centre of which are three rectangular wicks housed in metal slots. The wicks may be raised or lowered via three corresponding metal rods and knurled knobs. Surrounding the wicks are perforated metal walls. The top half of the burner has a barrel roof surmounted by an open rectangular box. This top half is hinged and lifts up to allow the wicks to be lit. A large circular lens is fitted to the inside of the magic lantern. Also inside, on the floor of the front section, is a removable tray with a circular depression in the centre of which is a circle of blue glass. The slides would be inserted in a slot between two metal plates behind the brass lens holder. Total number of items is 4