The magic lantern is an early type of image projector and was one of the first devices that allowed images to be projected onto a surface, It played an important role in the development of modern projection technology.

The earliest known reference to a magic lantern comes from a Dutch scientist named Christiaan Huygens, who described a simple projection device in 1659. The first true magic lantern, however, was developed by a German Jesuit priest named Athanasius Kircher in the 1670s. Kircher's lantern used a concave mirror to reflect light from a candle onto a glass slide that contained an image. The image was then projected onto a wall or screen.

Over the next century, the magic lantern became increasingly popular as a form of entertainment and education. Lantern shows were held in public places like theatres and town squares, and lanterns were used to illustrate lectures and scientific more...

20 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

Small tin magic lantern with original kerosene lamp and glass…

Antique Tin Magic Lantern with Original Kerosene Lamp

Small tin magic lantern with original kerosene lamp and glass chimney. Case 9.3 x 11.75 x 17 cm h, lens barrel 3.6 cm dia x 9.5 cm. Missing top chimney c 1890-1900

Magic Lantern: Ernst Plank 'Gloria' magic lantern; circa 1910;…

Ernst Plank Gloria Magic Lantern (with slides)

Magic Lantern: Ernst Plank 'Gloria' magic lantern; circa 1910; with two glass slides. 36 cm high.

Magic Lantern: The 'Praestantia' by Riley Brothers of Bradford.…

Riley Bros Magic Lantern: The Praestantia

Magic Lantern: The 'Praestantia' by Riley Brothers of Bradford. Engraved to the barrel of the lens with the words 'The Praestantia, Riley Bros Ltd, Bradford' and also bearing a similarly marked embossed brass makers plate to the base of the four-burner…

A Magic Lantern slide projector, brass and tin, 19th century…

19th Century Magic Lantern Slide Projector with Engineering Slides

A Magic Lantern slide projector, brass and tin, 19th century complete with slides of engineering items and diagrams. Height 37 cm, 44 cm long,16 cm wide.

A cased magic lantern set, by J. & A. Boyes, Melbourne,…

Boyes' Melbourne Magic Lantern Set

A cased magic lantern set, by J. & A. Boyes, Melbourne, complete with lantern, fairytale and kaleidoscopic slides, the label to box reads 'J. & A. Boyes, Ironmongers. Magic Lantern No.12 241& 243 Elizabeth St Melbourne'

Rare antique Magic Lantern slide projector crafted in mahogany…

Antique Magic Lantern Projector with Interchangeable Lenses

Rare antique Magic Lantern slide projector crafted in mahogany and brass together with interchangeable lense, spare parts etc. later electrified with internal lamp mechanism

A large vintage Magic Lantern, with electric fitting and wire,…

Vintage Magic Lantern with Electric Fitting and Metal Case

A large vintage Magic Lantern, with electric fitting and wire, in original metal carrying case. 41 x 15 x 40 cm.

Magic Lantern in timber box and associated slides, 19th century,…

19th Century Magic Lantern with Slides in Timber Box

Magic Lantern in timber box and associated slides, 19th century, 28 cm high

An Antique magic lantern projector, 47 cm high, 47 cm wide.

Antique Magic Lantern Projector - 47 cm

An Antique magic lantern projector, 47 cm high, 47 cm wide.

Magic lantern in original tin case

Vintage Magic Lantern in Tin Case

Magic lantern in original tin case

Magic lantern and scientific instrument parts, 19th century,…

19th Century Magic Lantern and Scientific Parts

Magic lantern and scientific instrument parts, 19th century, lantern 28 cm high

Magic Lantern upright double, cedar case, 19th century, 66 cm…

19th Century Cedar Magic Lantern Upright Double

Magic Lantern upright double, cedar case, 19th century, 66 cm high, 28 cm wide, 56 cm deep. Provenance: The Rodney Pemberton Collection

A Magic Lantern slide projector, brass and tin, 19th century,…

19th Century Magic Lantern Slide Projector

A Magic Lantern slide projector, brass and tin, 19th century, 37 cm high, 44 cm long, 16 cm wide

A large c.1900 Walter Tyler of London Magic Lantern, the…

Walter Tyler Magic Lantern with Brass Fittings

A large c.1900 Walter Tyler of London Magic Lantern, the mahogany case with multiple brass fittings including a triple section large lens, rectangular platform base with thumb moulded stepped edge. Maker's plaque to reverse, later electrification. 30 cm x…

Cased vintage French magic lantern projector, 62 cm x 41 cm x…

Vintage French Magic Lantern Projector in Case

Cased vintage French magic lantern projector, 62 cm x 41 cm x 20 cm

An impressive early timber cased magic lantern. Provenance:…

Early Timber Magic Lantern from Christie's Auction

An impressive early timber cased magic lantern. Provenance: Christie's Australia, Auction 1001, lot 33, October 10th 1999, Melbourne

Helioscopic Magic lantern, circa 1880-1910, probably Walter…

Antique Magic Lantern with 7'' Lens & Slide Box

Helioscopic Magic lantern, circa 1880-1910, probably Walter Tyler. Incomplete and requiring some attention but with attractive 7'' lens in good condition and with slip in slide box in base

Vintage magic lantern, approx 19 cm high

Antique Magic Lantern: 19cm High

Vintage magic lantern, approx 19 cm high

Victorian mahogany & Japanned metal Magic lantern with brass…

Victorian Japanned Magic Lantern with Brass Lens

Victorian mahogany & Japanned metal Magic lantern with brass lens

Victorian mahogany & glass magic lantern

Mahogany Glass Magic Lantern

Victorian mahogany & glass magic lantern