TOY: MAGIC LANTERN PROJECTOR, J. & A. BOYES IRONMONGERS, WITH KALEIDOSCOPE SLIDE

« Prev Item Next Item »

Overview

A children’s toy magic lantern projector, designed for domestic use, used miniature glass slides and was illuminated by a candle, paraffin, or similar burner.

The projector features a tall, narrow rectangular body made of metal, painted in charcoal gray. It stands on four small clawed feet, finished in a copper-coloured paint. A silver oval maker’s plaque, inscribed with 'J. & A. Boyes Ironmongers', is affixed to the centre of the hinged projector door. Beside the plaque is a small, circular, grooved knob, also painted in copper. A brass circular smoke stack or chimney holder is mounted on top of the lantern, while a brass telescopic lens projects from the front. The lens is secured to the body by a green-painted slide holder.

Inside the base of the lantern, some rust is visible. Two small circular holes are located on the left side, and a larger circular hole is positioned centrally in the base. Attached to this is a slim rectangular metal holder, extending outward from the base and also featuring a small circular hole. This component was designed to hold the light source or fuel, used to illuminate and operate the projector.

b) Kaleidoscope Lantern Lens, sits on a flat, rectangular wooden base with angled corners at one end. Extra wood strips are attached along the long sides to create a recessed area, where a brass ring is nailed in place, forming a frame for a coloured glass disc with geometric patterns in blue, red, white and yellow. A handle extends from the brass ring to where there should be a small wooden knob; turning the knob rotates the glass disc, along with a second, identical disc behind it, spinning in the opposite direction. The knob is missing on this slide but a similar slide (1995.9) has this knob.

Historical information

J. & A. Boyes Ironmongers (John and Arthur) operated their business on Elizabeth Street in Melbourne, Victoria. The earliest newspaper records indicate they were trading at 299 Elizabeth Street from around 1891 to 1896, before relocating to 241 & 243 Elizabeth Street, where they continued operations from approximately 1896 to 1921.

While the magic lantern was invented in the 17th century, its peak popularity as an optical projector occurred between the late 18th century and the early decades of the 20th century. During this time, it was widely used for both entertainment and educational purposes.

This toy projector was used for viewing magic lantern slides. A candle inside illuminated the inserted glass slide, projecting the image on a wall or screen.

Before the invention of cinema, magic lantern slides were the main form of projected entertainment. In addition to projecting still images, various mechanisms were used to create slides with real or simulated “moving” images.

Chromotrope slides were a type of a moving slide which created a kaleiodscope effect. When inserted in the magic lantern projector, the handle was used to rotate the decorated glass discs to create colourful patterns.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-43-2025.245

Item type

Material

Inscriptions and markings

J.& A. Boyes Ironmongers, 299 Elizabeth Street

Keywords