Rare Antique Black Americana Stereopticon/Magic Lantern Slide - Animated Goose Chase - Optical Toy

Descriptive Title:

Rare Antique Black Americana Stereopticon/Magic Lantern Slide - Animated Goose Chase - Optical Toy

Listing Description:

Discover a rare and intriguing piece of optical history with this antique Black Americana stereopticon or magic lantern slide. This unique animated slide features a four-panel sequence depicting a "Goose Chase," designed to create the illusion of movement when viewed through an appropriate device. While the imagery reflects the problematic racial caricatures prevalent during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it stands as a significant, albeit uncomfortable, historical artifact of early animation and popular culture.

Key Features:

• Animated Sequence: The slide features four distinct circular images that, when rapidly viewed or projected, would create the illusion of a continuous motion, showcasing early attempts at animation.

• Black Americana Collectible: This piece falls under the category of Black Americana, representing historical depictions (often caricatured) of African Americans from a past era. It is important to acknowledge the sensitivity and historical context surrounding such items.

• Early Optical Toy/Magic Lantern Slide: Likely used in stereopticons, magic lanterns, or other early pre-cinematic optical viewing devices to entertain audiences.

• Detailed Imagery: Each panel is intricately illustrated, showing a progression of a figure interacting with a goose, including a ladder and a wall.

• Wooden Frame with Red & Black Finish: The slide is housed in a classic wooden frame with a red exterior and black interior, typical of these antique optical slides.

• Numbered Panels: Each circular image is numbered (1, 2, 3, 4, or A, B, C, D depending on the side), indicating the sequence for animation.

Condition:

This antique slide is in good condition for its age, displaying wear consistent with a historical item over a century old. There is some minor scratching and surface wear on the images and the wooden frame, but the overall integrity and visual sequence remain clear. Please examine all provided photos closely to assess its condition.

Dimensions:

• Length: Approximately 9.5 inches (as seen with the ruler in the images).

• Width/Height: Approximately 2.5 inches.

• Thickness: Approximately 0.25 inches.

This item is presented as a historical artifact for collection and study, offering insight into early visual entertainment and the problematic racial representations of its time. It is not intended to promote or condone the stereotypes depicted.

A significant and rare find for collectors of early animation, optical toys, or historical Black Americana.