john lizars ‘the challenge’ magic lantern

A John Lizars of Glasgow ‘Challenge’ Model C magic lantern. Mahogany and brass construction with steel chimney. 9¾” lens with rack and pinion focusing. Ivorine maker’s plate to the side marked ‘J Lizars Model C Challenge, Glasgow, London, Edinburgh, Belfast, & Aberdeen’. 62cm (max) long, 35cm high, 22cm wide.

Lizars established his company in 1830, operating initially from Glasgow’s Merchant City and making a wide variety of optical and scientific instruments. In the 1880s the company expanded with additional branches in Edinburgh and Belfast, and later still branched out into London and Aberdeen. This particular lantern most likely dates to the early 1900s.

NOT FOR SALE