An original antique Magic Lantern Operators tinplate lamp with internal oil lamp, shade, red glass signal. The lamp stands 28cm high and is in working order. The burner is ceramic and marked 'Burtons' and is set in a brass holder.
 
The magic lantern was a popular form of entertainment in Europe and America in the 19th century, showmen called "Galantee" or "Savoyards" would travel around giving shows with magic lanterns. The shows often featured scary images, like skeletons or Death, which were the basis of the popular 19th century horror shows called "Phantasmagoria.