Astronomical Lantern Slides and Admission Tickets, 1872-1900

01

Artifact Overview

Magic lanterns use a concave mirror and light source to project images on glass slides with painted or photographic scenes. Developed in the 17th century, magic lanterns predate slide projectors and motion pictures. In the hands of magicians, they became "lanterns of fright," projecting wondrous images and apparitions. Slide themes ranged widely: exotic travel, folklore, advertising, history, science, and art.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Lantern slide

Date Made

1872-1900

Creator Notes

The firm of W. Mitchell McAllister was the maker of the astonomical slides.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

29.704.2

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Copper alloy
Glass (Material)
Paper (Fiber product)
Wood (Plant Material)

Dimensions

Height: 7 in (case)
Width: 11.5 in (case)
Length: 26.5 in (case)

Inscriptions

lantern slides: W. MITCHELL McALLISTER, 728 CHESTNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA tickets: STEELE'S LECTURES & EXHIBITION. / Admit One.