Eugen Bauer Cinespect 9,5mm Film projector

Exceptionally rare and highly collectible piece of early cinematic and coin-operated entertainment history: an original Bauer Münzkino, manufactured by the renowned Eugen Bauer G.m.b.H. of Stuttgart-Untertürkheim, Germany.

This machine was typically installed in Swiss railway stations. After inserting a coin, the viewer could look through the eyepiece and watch a short automated film loop. This particular example was used by its original “20 Cts. / 20 Rp.” coin-slot.

The machine originally came from the railway station in Basel and later entered the private collection of a passionate collector of railway memorabilia and art. His home contained original station chairs, historic railway uniforms, clocks and even an old ticket office, which he used to create personalised tickets for friends.

Approximately six years ago, I saw the machine operating and was immediately fascinated by its industrial and cinematic appearance. The collector eventually agreed to sell it to me, partly because he appreciated my home and felt that the machine would fit perfectly into its interior. Since then, I have carefully preserved and displayed it as a decorative and highly distinctive centrepiece. Today I will sell it because of my new home.

When new, a machine of this type would have represented a substantial commercial investment. It was not simply a domestic film projector, but a complete coin-operated entertainment installation incorporating a projector, an automatic continuous-film mechanism, a coin system, optics, mirrors, electrical components and a purpose-built wooden cabinet.

The exact original selling price of this model has not been established. However, comparable professional projection equipment of the period already costed lots of money. A complete Bauer Münzkino was an expensive professional machine, intended to generate revenue in busy public locations rather than being sold as an ordinary consumer product.

Technical Specifications and Features
Manufacturer: Eugen Bauer G.m.b.H., Stuttgart, Germany
Internal mechanism: Cinespect, serial/model FG/PM 9,5 B7, designed for the historic 9.5 mm film format
Optics: Meyer Görlitz Primoplan 1:1.5, f = 2 cm projection lens, serial no. 634237
Electrical system: Marked 110 V; a suitable step-down transformer would be required for use with a modern 230 V European electrical supply
Cabinet: Original green-painted wooden cabinet with integrated viewing eyepiece, coin mechanism, internal mirrors and rear access panels
Operation: Designed to show short films automatically after the insertion of a coin
Included Accessories and Documentation

This lot is exceptionally complete and includes rare accessories and documents that seldom survive with machines of this type:
- Original German Bauer-Münzkino Bedienungsanleitung (user manual)
- Interchangeable vintage advertising cards, including:
A Charlot / Charlie Chaplin film advertisement: Bei der Feuerwehr
A Farbenfilm advertisement for the historic Winzerfest Neuchâtel
- Three vintage film tins containing original film loops
- Spare mirrors

Condition:
Exterior: The wooden cabinet retains an attractive and authentic patina, with little surface wear. The large “KINO” lettering on the two sides remains clearly visible.
Interior and mechanism:
The Cinespect 9.5 mm projector mechanism is complete. The continuous-loop film system, wiring, lens, internal mirrors and partitions are present and in good conditions.
Operational status: The machine was seen and tested in working condition approximately six years ago.

An extraordinary museum-quality display piece and an ideal centrepiece for a great collection.

The reserve price has been set at the minimum amount corresponding to the price I originally paid for the machine. No additional premium has been added for the years during which I preserved it. I would prefer for the piece to be bought by a museum or a valuable collector.