Brevete 1890 Magic lantern

Old and very rare Magic Lantern “Brevete,” made in France in the 1890s. This Magic Lantern operates with a gas burner to project images from glass plates and has the peculiarity that the front lens bellows is made of black cloth (very rare). The Magic Lantern is in good condition and functioning, considering it is about 130 years old (see photos). The Lantern comes with the following items:

- 1 metal case (39cm x 26cm x 16cm), with lock and key (the key is not original, but it opens and closes);

- 1 4-nozzle gas burner, manufactured in the United Kingdom in the 1890s;

- 1 large internal lens;

- 1 glass slide, measuring 9.7cm x 8.3cm, from the city of Paris (Panoramic view of Paris titled “Vue prise d’une tour de St Gervais,” taken from a tower of the Église Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais, showing the Hôtel de Ville, the Seine, the Pont d’Arcole and the Eiffel Tower in the background. Photographic emulsion on glass with original handwritten caption in French. France, c. 1898–1903);

- 1 wooden slide holder, manufactured in the United Kingdom in the 1890s.

Brevete was a French lantern brand, active in Paris at the end of the 19th century. Although the word comes from breveté (“patented”), in the context of these devices it functioned as a trademark, and not only as a legal indication. The inscription “BREVETE / S.G.D.G. / PATENT” combines brand name, French patent, and export language, identifying a French manufacturer/distributor linked to the optical projection and pre-cinema market.

Although the invention of the magic lantern is generally seen in the 17th century, its greatest popularity as an optical projector spans from the late 18th century to the first decades of the 20th century. It was used both as a form of entertainment and as an educational tool.

This set weighs 5.1 kg and is a great addition to any collection of early cinema or to decorate a space.

Please see the attached photos to verify the overall condition. The photos are part of the description.