Magic Lanterns, various manufacturers, England part 1

Magic Lanterns, various manufacturers
England part 1


This magic lantern was retailed by the London Stereoscopic Company whose ivory name plate appears on one of the side panels. The London Stereoscopic Company was founded in 1854 by George Swan Nottage who was later to become the Lord Mayor of London. This company produced and sold stereoscopic pictures, stereoscopes and magic lanterns. The lantern, which dates to circa 1870, measures 18” (46 cm) long.
	'The Praestantia', made by Riley Bros, Bradford. The lantern contains a four-wick paraffin burner; the paraffin reservoir with a brass screw cap is stored behind a hinged door at the front of the lantern. Dimensions: length: 16.5" (42 cm), height: 13.5" (34 cm).

A page from their 1898 Magic Lantern & Stereopticon Hire List. The business ran a very successful slide hire operation, carrying a vast stock of slides from all the major manufacturers. Their 32 page "Hire List of Magic Lanterns, Stereopticons Animated Picture Machines, Slides, and all accessories for Optical Lantern Work." gives the rental prices, lists of slides, dissolving effects for single lanterns, 11 pages of lanterns with illustrations, accessories, window bills, and testimonials.


An English magic lantern, made by Sandham & Co., Blackburn, England .The makers name is pressed on plates on the top and side of the body and is also engraved on the hinged lens cap. The lacquered brass lens mechanism telescopes to focus with rack and pinion fine adjustment.

Mahogany and brass magic lantern made by the renowned optician and camera maker J. Lancaster and Son, Birmingham, England. An advertisement in the 'British Journal Almanac Advertisements' says: 'A superb lantern with all modern improvements. Finest quality condensers, 4 in. diameter, Triple achromatic object lenses, giving same sized pictures at seven distances..... Built in finest mahogany, in best possible manner, and on best mahogany base. Prize: £ 3.3.0.'
	This attractive old black metal magic lantern carries a small white plate with the name of 'Benetfink of Cheapside, London E.C',. Benetfink was a London retailer of photographic and lantern equipment, as well as non photographic items. The lacquered brass lens has a brass cover and is adjustable by a rack-and-pinion mechanism. The chimney is probably not original. Complete with its black metal carrying case, circa 6 x 14 x 9 inches (15.5 x 35.5 x 23 cm).

Very nice wooden magic lantern with an equally beautifully executed slide changer. At the front a propeller-shaped nameplate with the name 'Aldis England' is attached. This is probably the manufacturer.

The Wrench Demonstrators "Universal" Optical Lantern. This metal magic lantern is fitted with a 7 inch projection lens with rack and pinion focusing. Manufactured by John Wrench, circa 1900. There is a glass circular spy hole in the side door to view the burner and a fibre knob to open the door for reaching the light adjuster.


This rare magic lantern was made in London around 1915 by James A. Sinclair & Co Ltd. The type name is mentioned on the back of the lantern, The 'Kama'. A similar lantern is said to be in Canada's Museum of Science and Innovation.
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