Disc magic lantern slides

	Disc slides Some magic lanterns, like Ernst Plank's models 'Climax' and 'Globus', were able to show not only the 'normal', oblong glass strips, but also circular, disc shaped slides. These slides were available with diameters between 8.5 cm and 15 cm, containing six or eight round pictures. Favourite subjects were fairy tales, anthropology, caricatures, religious themes and much more.
	Round disc slides, offered in Ernst Plank's 1903 Catalogue.




Six 'Runde Scheibenbilder' offered in the Ernst Plank catalogue above, i.e. the fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood, Geology, Savages or Ethnic Faces, Puss in Boots, Portraits and Robinson Crusoe. The slides measures 3.25 inches (8.5 cm) in diameter and were also available with 4.33 inches (11 cm) in diameter. More expensive samples were fitted with a protecting cover glass and/or a metal rim around the glass. Larger samples were provided with eight pictures pro disc. That's why here some pictures on the showed discs seem to be missing.
Robinson Crusoe, disc slide made by Ernst Plank.
	This round glass slide has six images of a gnome and a frog. In the centre image stands the Roman figure I. The slide measures 3.25 inches and there is a metal rim around the glass. Maker unknown.
Round magic lantern slide, measuring 3 3/8" across. In the centre Max Dannhorn's trade mark, a fir tree flanked by the capitals M.D. Made in Germany. The pictures show a performance of the Monkey Theatre.

Both 3 3/8" discs hold 6 images. They depict everyday activities and some silly portraits. Marked X and XI. Metal rimmed. Maker unknown.
The 'Gebrüder Bing' made only one design magic lantern that was able to use disc slides, the Globe Magic Lantern 'Bosco'. This lantern was made entirely from polished brass and was fitted with a mechanical disc turner. 'The mechanical turner secures an even and easy movement for the discs, while the picture slot, for the long slides, is so arranged that it can be adjusted before the lens opening by a very slight pressure.' (Bing Toy Catalogue 1906)