Newton & Co, Dissolving view magic lanterns

A rare pair of dissolving view magic lanterns by the London maker, Newton & Co. The lanterns were designed to operate in tandem, so that one image could be 'dissolved' into another to give the impression of movement or the passage of time. The configuration is a little different to a 'biunial' lantern, where one projector is mounted above another, but the effect is just the same.

The two projectors would have been carefully set up in precise alignment using their transit case as a stand, secured using the mounting screws provided. Then, a simple toothed dissolving mechanism (missing on this example but illustrated on the maker's label) would have been attached to a pivot point to the front, operated by a handle to achieve the desired effect. Pushing the handle in one direction allowed would allow one of the lanterns to project an image while at the same time blocking off light from the other, and vice versa when the handle was pulled in the other direction. As shown in the images, the two projectors were precise mirror images of each other, one with a side door and focusing control to the right hand side and the other to the left.

Both lanterns bear embossed brass makers plates bearing the words "Newton and Co Opticians, 3 Fleet Street, Temple Bar, London". Each lantern is fitted with a spirit burner, one with brass plate marked "Refulgent Lamp for Magic Lanterns, Patent No 1957", which was a patent registered to Newton & Co. Each burner is fitted with two-part extending chimney. Focusing of the identical lenses is achieved by sliding them backwards and forwards within their housing, with precise adjustment by rack and pinion. When in use, the set-up measures 52cm wide x 96cm high x 49cm deep, but everything can be compactly stowed in the transit case measuring 34cm x 29cm x 52cm. Affixed to the inside of the case are the original operating instructions.

NO LONGER FOR SALE