Antique Magic Lantern The Praestantia. Riley Brothers. England, Circa 1890

Antique The Praestantia magic lantern made by Riley Brothers in Bradford, England. This amazing piece, big in size and with a powerful presence, is dated circa 1890 and remains in great condition. This is quite a surprising fact as it is more than 120 years old. The device includes an antique lamp holder that has been modified in order to use it with halogen bulbs. The bulb that we can see in the images is modern but the rest of the device is antique. The lenses used to project the images are also original from the time and remain in good condition too. The magic lantern is composed of two parts: a rear black metal-sheet case (usually known as light house) and a brass foldable projector. The metal case hides the lamp holder and mounts a compartment to put the slides. At the front of the magic lantern, just under the projector we can see a brass plate with the inscription THE PRAESTANTIA RILEY BROS BRADFORD. This inscription can also be seen engraved in small cursive lettering at the top of the projector. The lenss protecting lid bears the engraved serial number 230577. For its fine look and magnificent condition, this antique The Praestantia magic lantern signed by Riley Brothers will stand out in the best collection of photo- and cinema-related antiques. Measurements: Base: Width: 14.2 in / 35.5 cm. Depth: 5.4 in / 13.5 cm. Projectors Length: Unfolded: 18.6 in / 46.5 cm. Folded: 9.4 in / 23.5 cm. Total Length: Unfoldedd: 26.4 in / 66 cm. Folded: 17.2 in / 23.5 cm. Height: 13.4 in / 33.5 cm.Riley Brothers HistoryThe story of Riley Brothers magic lanterns starts out in 1883, when Joseph Riley (a Bradford businessman) buys a magic lantern for his eldest brothers, William and Herberts. After seeing the educational and fun possibilities of the device, the Riley family decided to share it with a local children charity. The products success made Joseph Riley start his own magic lantern business which he integrated in the familys existing company, Riley Brothers. The brothers (Sam, Herbert, William and Joseph) sold and rented the devices out of their base located at Godwing Street. The Rileys interests in magic lanterns foretold their future integration in the emerging cinematographic business.