Magic Lantern, 1930's

This vintage projector is a magic lantern made in the 1930s. Manufactured in Great Britain, it is a charming and highly interesting item that can be still used to view slides enlarged on a screen. This set includes fifty one medical slides, with engravings and photographs related to hernia. The slides are perfectly stored and organized in their own wooden case. The set, quite beautiful, is almost a museum piece in very good condition.The wooden case where the slides are kept bears a printed white label with a black inscription that reads JOHNSONS OF HENDON TRADE MARK, and a scale-shaped logo. Johnson of Hendon Limited can trace its roots back to the 18th century, when Richard Wright opened a goldsmith business in London, in 1743. In 1839 the firm was already called Johnson & Sons, and then began manufacturing chemical salts of silver and gold used for the photographic process recently invented by Fox Talbot in those days. From them on the company started their long association with photography, and in the World War II they focused exclusively on this field. Over the years they also manufactured enlargers and cinema cameras until the firm disappeared in the 1970s.The magic lantern we can see in these photographs was manufactured by another firm. Made of black lacquered metal and brass with wooden slide-holder, it is very well preserved and works perfectly. Under the objective there is a stamp engraved in the metal with the inscription ESTABLISHED IN 1816 TRADE MARK, and a monograms with the letters JW that probably correspond to the manufacturers market name. On the other hand, the case for the slides (all of them in black and white and in perfect condition) is made of solid wood with fine dovetail joints. It has two black-enameled iron shutters and leather strap, loose at one end.The striking working order and charming design of this lantern and slide case set it turn it into a piece that any photo or medicine enthusiast will long to own.Measurements: Width: 460 mm. Height: 270 mm.