A large and impressive Victorian magic lantern from the workshop of Josiah Thomas Chapman (pictured) of Manchester. Chapman (born 1843, died 1907) is best known for his high quality cameras, which he made through collaboration with Joshua Billcliff, one of the greatest of the British camera makers of that time. Magic lanterns bearing the Chapman name are quite rare. This example is made from a fine quality, close-grained, mahogany. The lens is a monster with an approximate focal length 10". It is nicely engraved "The British, J T Chapman, Manchester'“. Beneath the lens board is the original maker's name plate similarly marked "The British, J T Chapman, Photographic Chemist, Manchester". Bellows extension is achieved by turning the large thumbscrew to the right hand side, with fine focusing adjustment by rack and pinion on the lens itself. Total length (lens extended, excluding the curtain) is 70cm, height 45cm, width 22cm. The lantern is complete with lamp holder, a high quality RR Beard's Eclipse Slide Carrier and a couple of glass magic lantern slides.

Condition: Overall in very good condition, particularly given its 150 years or so of age. The woodwork retains good colour and shine, protected by its original French Polish. The brass components also have their original protective lacquer, with some age-related wear, oxidation, scuffs and scratches. A valuable item in its own right, the lens is in good condition with clear optics and only minor dust, peripheral dirt and cleaning marks to the front element etc. The focusing adjustment works correctly without slippage to the rack and pinion. The lens cap is present. The internal condensing lens is present and in good order. The bellows have considerable edge wear, notably to the right hand side where there are some holes. If the intention is to reuse this lantern, the buyer should assume that some repairs/patching will be required. Slide changer in good order. One slide cracked.

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