Shell Mutoscope, Original condition, Rare

This invention by Falser Hermann was a favorite in the « Penny Arcades », which allowed visitors to activate various optical contraptions and shows for a few pennies, this resplendent cast iron and steel plate model was dubbed the Iron Horse or the Shell Mutoscope because of the moulded motif on either side of its hollowed case containing the folioscope reel. This perfectly functional, original white model is quite rare. Its ornate golden bronze decorations feature recurring motifs such as flowers, leaves, fleurs de lys and lions all original. The cast iron frame which houses the publicity for the device was added more recently.