Very rare early magic lantern, purchased by the U.S military from the Pettibone MFG Military & Society Goods of Cincinnati, Ohio. The magic lantern was used at Fort Howard Maryland as a training tool as well as a way to provide news updates at the military fort, from about 1895 - 1915. This particularly large example was used in a large meet room or auditorium at the fort. The fort had maintained three historic generations of the magic lanterns light source. The three light sources included show the historical transition from a gas light source to electrical ark light and finally ending with electric lighting. Featuring its original very rare and early Limelight and oxy hydrogen flame light source. Also included is a carbon ark source with several rare unused carbon rods. Of the 3 light sources used the later is an electric light fixture with mirror reflector. The construction of the base is of fine Cherry wood adorned with all brass components including its fine adjustable brass lens assembly. The Glass lens optics is all present and working as shown. Markings include the metal housing stamped with dealers logo, Wood base is stamped 'US' identifying it as Military property and the storage case is stamped with the forts identification. Stored in its original wood case and accompanied by generations of original lighting sources, equipment and components including tools also included are 4 original glass military training slides included one in color. Size of main larger box 30 1/2" W x 20 1/14" H x 12" deep, magic lantern wood base 26 1/2" W, 24" H.

Box keys absent, well preserved with some flaws commensurate with age.