Magic Lanterns Johann Falk

Magic Lanterns, manufactured by
Johann Falk

Another ceramic lantern, probably also made by Johann Falk. See also: Spherical ceramic lantern made by Max Dannhorn.		Ceramic Lantern, 1895. This rare, wonderful magic lantern with three sides of 'Keramikfliesen' (ceramic tiles) was on sale in two sizes and with various flower designs. The smallest measures 12,5 x 9 x 22 cm. The access door at the tin back of the lantern has the initials "D.R.G.M." embossed in the metal. (Same lantern with another floral pattern on Special magic lanterns.)
The German company of Johann Falk was the smallest of the Nuremberg magic lantern manufacturers. Falk was related to almost all the other manufacturers of Nurenberg. He started as a sales representative for Georg Carette, founded his own company about 1895 and took over at least part of the production of Jean Schoenner by 1907. After World War I the company set up a close corporation with the Bing brothers in the 1920s. Some products of that time have even a combined JF and BW trade mark. To prevent an expropriation in the 1930s - Falk was a Jew - he sold all of his interest to the Schaller brothers, who already owned the factory of Ernst Plank.
		Simple black tin plate toy lanterns. Above: On top an electric bulb holder. Sizes: 23 cm (9") tall, 14,5 cm (5 3/4") deep and 12 cm (4 3/4") wide. Gilt feet. Left: Toy lantern with a long chimney and four gilt claw feet.
	Magic lantern c. 1900. Made of 'Russian iron' and chromium plated tin. Chimney in Western locomotive style. Slides are clasped into the slide holder by means of a pushing sheet and two springs beside the objective. Sizes: 6 x 8 x 18 inches (15 x 12 x 46 cm). (My First Magic Lantern! See also: What's the fun of a magic lantern?)

	Two simple toy magic lanterns. The left one has the manufacturer's initials 'JF' embossed on the access door on the side; the other one has the initials stamped on the front. Both use a small kerosene lamp as a source of light.

	Magic lantern in its original wooden box, about 32.5 cm high, about 29.5 cm deep and 10 cm wide; the box is about 32.5 cm wide and 25.5 cm deep and 15 cm high.
Some years after the First World War Johann Falk established a close cooperation with the Bing brothers, producing some products with a combined JF and BW trade mark.