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1912 Edison Home Kinetoscope * Historic Silent Movie Projector * No Repro Parts

$ 187.43

Availability: 19 in stock
  • Type: Movie Projectors
  • Brand: Edison

    Description

    If you're an uncompromising collector of antique technology, make sure to check out all my listings after you look at this one. I don't think you'll find a better, broader or more balanced assortment of technical antiques anywhere -- hundreds of no-reserve auctions each year, almost all of them featuring eye-popping "gee whiz" gadgetry in exceptional original condition. And d
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    Here's a complete, all-original Edison Home Kinetoscope set, manufactured ca. 1912.  It comes with its original power transformer, its original sheet metal carrying case, its original crank, its original lamp house (with carbon rods), its original upper and lower reels, and its original lenses -- both projection and stereopticon.
    The world's 1st non-commercial motion projector projector, the Home Kinetoscope was a colossal flop, possibly Edison's greatest commercial failure, and the fact any of them have survived (given how few of them were made) is remarkable in itself.
    Condition of the projector is excellent throughout. Painted surfaces are clean, with some wear and surface rust evident in areas, but nothing significant or distracting. Nickel-plated parts are likewise in good shape (particularly the film gate) with some normal tarnish and oxidation, but no flaking.  Gold decorations are prominent.
    The power transformer is in good condition, with paint wear and oxidation evident on the housing, but no significant dents or other damage. Original paint, original cloth-covered cords (fraying), original plugs.
    The case -- which doubles as a stand -- is in good shape, with no rust, no holes, no dents, no damage. Nice original paint, and a prominent Edison decal still adorning the outside front cover.  Has its original hinges, all of its original latching hardware and its original suede carrying handle, one end of which is broken off.
    The arm assembly and reels are in excellent condition. Clean nickel, clean paint, no damage. The crank is original, as are the thumbnuts.  As you can see in the 9th photograph, everything included with the set (except for the power transformer) can be neatly housed inside of the case.
    The shutter works, lifting and lowering as the crank is turned. The film carriage is stiff and needs to be lubricated -- it was designed to be moved laterally so that a single 22 millimeter spool of film could be run through 3 times (forward, backward and then forward again) still moves easily from position 1 to position 2 to position 3 and then back again.
    The wire-spring drive belt has a few splices, but it will still turn the reel pulleys when the crank is turned clockwise; the pulleys slow down and stall when the crank is turned counter-clockwise, but disassembling and lubricating the pulley hubs should eliminate any hesitation when the crank is turned counterclockwise.
    The mechanism works, and I suspect that by lubricating all the moving parts, you can run film through the projector.  You might even be able to light up the carbon rods with the power supply -- if you don't set your house on fire in the process.
    That said, this Kinetoscope is being offered for historical and/or collecting purposes only, with no other assurances stated or implied.
    That's about it. I will package everything properly so that it arrives at your doorstep safely. I have been shipping fragile technical antiques for years, and if you check my feedback, you'll see that I know how to do it correctly. OVERSEAS BUYERS PLEASE NOTE: This Home Kinetoscope and its power transformer are heavy, and it's going to be expensive to ship them abroad, so if you're outside the US, please contact me first for a shipping quote so that I confirm my ability to get everything to you. Buyer prepays and includes shipping.
    OVERSEAS SHIPPING VIA FEDEX ONLY. THE VALUE WILL NOT BE LOWERED FOR CUSTOMS. NO EXCEPTIONS.