Bausch and Lomb Balopticon Projector c 1911

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pkc405
Posted by pkc405
12 years ago
AI Appraisal
💬 5 Comments 🗣️ Discuss with Community
Description Bausch and Lomb1911 Balopticon glass slide projector, 4 x 4 glass, 400w GE spotlight, lens cover. Serial #61185, patented 21 February 1911, Rochester, NY. Image is representative of item. Actual projector is in excellent condition and fully operational. Perfect piece for a vintage photographic eaquipment collection, or as an advanced teaching tool.
Category Vintage Electronics
Distinguishing marks Serial #61185
Condition Excellent
Size and dimensions of this item Unknown
Date Period 1911
Weight Unknown
History Originally purchased by timberland owner Gary Cummings of Indiana, the Balopticon Projector, known as "The Magic Lantern" became an innovative and ultimately invaluable selling tool for Cummings. Armed with the Balopticon (so named by combining Bausch and Lomb Optical Company) and a few beautifully photographed glass slides, Cummings lead the way for future traveling salesmen. His enormous success and wealth has been attributed to the Balopticon Projector, the Powerpoint of the early 1900's.
eBay Auction Link
Price Paid (If known) 550.00
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Submitted by pkc405

I'd love to learn more about th Blopticon Projector. If anyone out there has owned, and/or used one, I'd love to hear from you. I forgot to mention that the projector comes in a hard shell, protective case. The price, of course, is negotiable. Reasonable offers will be considered. Thank you!

Submitted by 4HUGGIE1906

THESE WERE MADE IN LARGE NUMBERS  PROBABLY WELL INTO THE  1930S,I HAVE A MODEL A PROJECTOR SIMILAR TO YOURS. OVERALL,THEY WERE IN MANY CASES  CONSDERED TO BE MAGIC LANTERNS AS THEY WERE OFTEN USED IN HOMES.. THEY ALSO USED A GLASS 3 INCH BY 4 INCH SLIDE..AND WERE  FOUND IN AUDITORIUMS, SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES.AT THE TIME, BAUSCH AND LOMB WAS TO OPTICAL DEVICES  AS STEINWAY WAS TO PIANOS. WHAT WERE YOU ASKING FOR THIS PROJECTOR,KINDEST REGARDS,JAMES BRYAN.

Submitted by pkc405

Hi James. Thank you for your interest in the Balopticon Projector. I would like to do a bit more research before presenting an asking price. I'll get back to you, hopefully within the week. Thanks again!
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