Unidentified maker

POLISHED MAHOGANY LANTERN

A magic lantern is a device used to project images. An image fixed on a transparent base such as glass is illuminated by an internal light source (such as a candle, oil lamp, or light bulb) housed in a dark box, and projected, magnified, and focused by a lens. The pipe on top is used to ventilate smoke and heat. This model has a carrier to hold several lantern slides to be inserted individually and projected. Magic lanterns have been used since the 17th century as a form of entertainment and as an educational tool.