John Lizars of Glasgow, Magic lantern

A cased Victorian mahogany and brass magic lantern by John Lizars of Glasgow. Lizars established his company in 1830, operating initially from Glasgow’s Merchant City and making a wide variety of optical and scientific instruments. By the 1880s - around the time this lantern was made - the company had grown significantly, with larger premises in Glasgow’s Buchannan Street and additional branches in Edinburgh and Belfast. Later still, it expanded further into London and Aberdeen. The lantern is of mahogany and brass construction with red bellows, 10” objective lens and tinplate chimney. To the rear, a velvet curtain hangs from a brass bow. Bellows extension is achieved by turning the handle at the front of the lantern. The brasswork is nicely embellished with a decorative finish, and retains its original lacquer. Ivorine maker’s plaques are affixed to each side, and the slide changer is also engraved with the Lizars name. At maximum extension, length 77cm, height 33cm. NOT FOR SALE