Max Dannhorn was one of the German magic lantern manufacturers who founded their companies in Neuremberg. Dannhorn started in 1872. While other great companies like Ernst Plank, Carette, Schoener and Bing also dealt in other toys like steam engines and trains, Dannhorn dealt exclusively in magic lanterns.

The Dannhorn trade mark was rarely applied to their products; some of them however can be identified by the initials M.D. and/or a picture of a fir tree and a horn.

Dannhorn's lanterns attract attention by their extraordinary beauty. They are abundantly provided with curly ornaments and mostly made of fine burnishing brass.

After World War I the firm was in a weak condition and in 1921 most of Dannhorn's shares were sold to 'Gebrüder Bing' (G.B.N.).