Edison “Home Kinetoscope” Projector… RARE! Early Motion Picture Technology / Cinematic Pioneer!

Thomas Edison “Home Kinetoscope” Projector (RARE) Historic Film Playback!

A Rare Opportunity to Own Edison’s First Home Movie Machine This hand-cranked Edison “Home Kinetoscope” represents a short-lived but pioneering leap in cinematic history. With fewer than a handful known to survive, this 22mm projection system utilized a carbon arc lamp and dual lens setup to deliver short reels of motion picture and lantern slide imagery, the very beginnings of motion pictures. Thomas Edison drew inspiration for his motion picture system from the pioneering work of photographer Eadweard Muybridge. In 1888, he named this invention the “Kinetoscope,” a term that combines the Greek words “Kineto,” meaning “movement,” and “Scopos,” meaning “to view.” Edison launched the 22mm Home Kinetoscope, recognized as the first successful home projection system. Nevertheless, the Kinetoscope suffered from subpar image quality and, due to its mechanical design, was limited to approximately 20 seconds of film playback. The production of these devices was brief, resulting in a limited number being manufactured and even fewer sold. Displayed here is a notable example of the “Kinetoscope” mounted on its original wooden base. It utilizes a plug-in carbon arc lamp as its light source. While it is complete, its operational use is not advisable. This Kinetoscope is a hand-cranked, 22mm motion picture and lantern slide projector, featuring a condenser lens along with two projection lenses. It represents a rare instance of a Thomas Edison “Kinetoscope,” with very few units produced and even fewer remaining. It comes with a metal carrying case and a reproduction of the operating instructions. This presents a unique opportunity to acquire a significant piece of cinematic history. Very rare and hard to locate! Should you have any inquiries, please do not hesitate to ask!