A fine quality antique magic lantern projector built to an unusual collapsible design, dating to around 1890 and with an interesting history. Magic lanterns to this design - capable of folding flat for ease of storage and transportation - rarely come to the market. Click here to see how it all goes together.

This particular lantern was once used for preaching the gospel at the Cardonald United Free Church (now Hillington Park Church) on the outskirts of Glasgow, Scotland. It comes complete with a 10" projection lens, slide carrier and one magic lantern slide as illustrated. The plaques to the front read "Cardonald U.F. Church" and "Band of Hope". There is no maker's mark, though this is almost identical in design to Thornton Pickard's 'Merito' optical lantern. The internal lamp holder bears a plate for W Butcher and Sons, one of the great London makers of magic lanterns.

With the bellows extended, the lantern is 70cm long (excluding the rear curtain) and it stands 35cm high.

Condition: A rare and well-built lantern in very good overall condition. The close-grained hardwood retains its original French Polish. Similarly, the brass components are still with their original protective lacquer, now with some discolouration and patina. The bellows have wear but would appear to be light-tight. The tinplate lining has some localised light surface rust and replacement brass screws. The fluted chimney has been repainted and is possibly missing its top cowl, as illustrated. The slide carrier and magic lantern slides are in good order. The illuminant not presently wired for use, but the lantern has been tested using an independent light source and has been found to be projecting well.