An antique tinplate and brass magic lantern bearing the name of Mawson and Swan of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and London.  It comes complete with a 3-wick burner, two-piece extending chimney, a slide carrier, three lantern slides and a wooden case.  The lantern is 47cm long and stands  24cm high, excluding the extending chimney.  

Mawson and Swan were a firm of chemists, established in the 1860s by John Mawson and Joseph Swan (pictured, the true inventor of the light bulb, ahead of the American inventor Thomas Edison who is often credited in error!).  Their business operated from premises in Newcastle's Mosely Street, where they specialised in the production of collodion photographic plates and supplied a wide variety of photographic equipment.  The success of the company was such that it later opened two additional branches in London.  This particular lantern has the Mawson and Swan embossed to the lens cover and also stamped to the inside of the case.     

Condition: Generally in good condition but with a fair bit of wear to the paintwork and priced accordingly. The tinplate is largely dent and rust free. There is some oxidation to the brasswork and the protective lacquer has worn thin in places. The case has numerous marks and a longitudinal shrinkage split to top and bottom. The lens optics are in good shape and the focusing control works correctly without slippage to the rack and pinion. The three-wick burner has not been tested and is not recommended for use. When tested with an independent light source (not included) the lantern was found to project a nice crisp image.

Overseas buyers are very welcome, but please be aware that import charges may apply. For similar items please visit my eBay shop and subscribe if you would like to receive notifications and offers. Please be assured that this item will be carefully packaged and will be promptly dispatched. Many thanks for looking.