AUXILIARY PROJECTION LENS
Darlot, Paris for Kleine Optical Company 1910-1920
Auxiliary lenses such as these were typically mounted
next to a motion picture projector's primary projecting lens. Either prior to, during the intermission or
after the main feature, the projector's light source could be slid to the side
with this lens rotated in front of it.
This permitted the projection of glass lantern slides announcing
upcoming movies, other events or advertising.
This lens, manufactured by Darlot, Paris for Kleine
Optical, is actually a Darlot Series III projection lens with Kleine's name
branded to it. The lens is complete, with its swiveling mounting flange, tensioning
nut and a broad-knurled collar that permitted finer focusing than the
rack-and-pinion knob. Kleine sold motion picture equipment by various makers,
and the lens could have been used on any number of projectors.
Kleine Optical was formed about 1893 by George Kleine
(1864-1931), and by 1896 the company was marketing motion picture apparatus and
lantern slide projectors. Kleine would
go on to become a film distributor after the turn of the century, later
partnering with others to form the Kalem motion picture studio in 1907.