MOLE-RICHARDSON/FOLMER&SCHWING Eastman Kodak Co. - Rochester NY - Tripod floor lamp - 406 - Mahogany

ILLUMINATOR MOLE-RICHARDSON model 406

Mole-Richardson represents the absolute world standard in lighting for cinema and television filming. The brand’s history is deeply rooted in Italy: the company was founded in Hollywood in 1927 by Pietro "Peter" Mole, an Italian inventor born in Termini Imerese in 1891, together with Elmer C. Richardson. In 1935 they revolutionized the industry by introducing the first cinema projector based on the Fresnel lens adaptation.
In the postwar period and during Cinecittà’s boom in the 1950s and 60s, the company expanded its footprint in Europe by creating the Mole-Richardson Italia S.r.l. Italian subsidiary. This branch was not only responsible for distribution and rental for major film productions in Rome, but also managed its own local production of licensed projectors (famous historic models such as Mod. 406 or the Sputnik 612) recognizable precisely by the inscription "Mole-Richardson Italia" stamped on the lighting bodies’ plates. In the 1970s the Italian production also closely collaborated with the Berkey group (giving rise to Berkey Italia / Mole-Richardson branded spotlights).
Today, in addition to remaining a technical standard on modern film sets, vintage Mole-Richardson Italia projectors produced between the 1930s and 1970s have become rare and highly sought-after objects of industrial interior design. They are restored, mounted on their historic wooden or iron tripods, and integrated into luxury furnishings or in fashion and theater settings as atmospheric floor lamps.

TRIPODS FOLMER&SCHWING

The company FOLMER&SCHWING Manufacturing Co. was founded in New York in 1887. In 1903, cofounder William F. Folmer patented the famous tripod design (US Patent 731879). Depending on the production year, the exact same tripod may bear different labels or marks due to corporate changes:
• Folmer & Schwing Mfg. Co. (New York): Original models produced before 1905.
• Folmer & Schwing Div. / Eastman Kodak Co. (Rochester, NY): Products between 1905 and 1926, after Kodak’s acquisition.

- Photographs are an integral part of the advertisement. Electrical system, wiring, and original plug, except for the E27 socket adaptation for current use.

- Shipping with professional double-box packaging (larger volume and weight increase costs);
- Insured and tracked worldwide shipping excluding the U.S. and countries affected by armed conflict.
- Customs duties and any other charges payable by the buyer.