Antique Gebrüder Bing Magic Lantern Glass Slides – Boxed Set of 12 – c.1910–1920

Antique Gebrüder Bing Magic Lantern Glass Slides – Boxed Set of 12 – c.1910–1920

A charming collection of 12 antique magic lantern glass slides, dating to the early 20th century, presented in a wonderfully decorative original cardboard box bearing the trademark of German toy manufacturer Gebrüder Bing (GBN Bavaria).

Each slide is beautifully illustrated with colourful miniature pictures, depicting picturesque landscapes, buildings, countryside scenes, animals and delightful scenes of everyday life and storytelling.

The slides have striking red paper borders, which have retained their vibrant colour, while the delicate illustrations offer a fascinating glimpse into a bygone world of home entertainment.

Before television and modern cinema became part of everyday life, magic lanterns provided families with the excitement of projected pictures, transforming ordinary rooms into miniature picture theatres.

A Little History

Gebrüder Bing was established in Nuremberg, Germany, in 1866 by brothers Ignaz and Adolf Bing. The company became internationally renowned for its beautifully manufactured toys, including model railways, tinplate novelties and optical entertainment equipment.

Magic lanterns and their accompanying glass slides were particularly popular during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods.

The original box bears the GBN Bavaria trademark and multilingual labels describing the contents as Superfine Magic Lantern Slides, Feinste Laterna Magica Bilder and Vues sur Verre pour Lanternes Magiques.

A second original label is marked Landschaften – Paysages – Landscapes, together with the reference number 7695. The slides comprise a mixture of illustrated subjects and may have been assembled from different series over their lifetime.

Condition

All 12 glass slides have been individually inspected and are free from cracks, chips or other apparent glass damage.

The illustrations remain colourful and attractive, with some age-related surface marks and gentle wear to the paper borders, as shown in the photographs.

The original cardboard storage box displays rubbing, fading, staining and general wear consistent with its considerable age. Both surviving labels add to its historical appeal.

Measurements

Original storage box: approximately 15 cm long × 4 cm wide × 3 cm high.

12 glass slides included. Magic lantern projector not included.

Why We Love It

There is something rather magical about holding these tiny pictures up to the light and discovering their wonderful details. More than a century after they were made, their colours and illustrations still have the power to delight.

A lovely collectible for enthusiasts of antique toys, early photography, magic lanterns and the fascinating history of home entertainment.

A little piece of entertainment history, beautifully preserved.

All items are described to the best of our knowledge. Please study the photographs, which form part of the description. Age-related wear is to be expected with antique and vintage pieces.