ZOETROPE. "The Wheel of Life."

London London Stereoscopic & Photographic Co. (c. 1870s) A slotted metal drum, twelve inches in diameter, into which may be inserted paper strips bearing sequential images. Viewing the images through the slots while spinning the drum creates the illusion of animation, or continuous motion. The zoetrope rests on a three-piece base of varnished, turned wood. The set contains fourteen strips, each about three feet long and printed in two colors, showing silhouetted figures engaged in acrobatics, dances, or drolleries. In addition, there are four multicolored round sheets for the bottom of the drum, printed or hand-colored with kaleidoscopic patterns. These are quite rare. One of the strips is torn in half and has one additional tape repair; two others have a marginal one-inch closed tear. The inside of the drum and the paper items show light soiling, otherwise this fascinating pre-cinema toy is in excellent working condition. Housed in a contemporary, plain wooden box with a Norwich label. (Juvenile).

• USD 2,500.00 > other currencies
• ordernr.: 15304

• bookseller: Bromer Booksellers Inc. (USA)