Description: Vintage VAN CORT Instruments ZOETROPE Classic Animation Viewer with Comic Strips This is a truly handsome reproduction of a Victorian Era optical curiosity toy called a zoetrope. A zoetrope is one of several animation toys which were invented in the 19th century, a time when people were discovering and developing ways to make still pictures move. The zoetrope first appeared in England in 1834, the France in 1860, and finally appeared in the United States in 1867. The zoetrope was named by its French inventor, Pierre Desvignes. The word "zoetrope" was composed from the Greek root words ζωή zoe, "life" and τρόπος tropos, "turning" as a transliteration of "wheel of life". A zoetrope is mesmerizing to use! When you place one of the paper strips of cartoon illustrations inside the zoetrope's drum, spin it, and then look through the slots, you see the images become "animated". In reality, they only appear to move due to persistence of vision and what is called the Phi phenomenon. T This zoetrope that we are offering was originally produced in the 1980's in New England by Van Cort Instruments. It is beautifully handmade with finished hardwood and brass. It comes with 8 different animation sheets for your enjoyment. The zoetrope is used, with a small ding on the lower rim (see photos). I do not have its original box or manufacturer's info sheets. This zoetrope is a nice size, standing approximately 7.5 inches (19 cm) tall, with a drum diameter of approximately 5.5 inches (14 cm). The finish on the drum is a forest green textured linen style vinyl. This optical novelty would make a wonderful gift for the budding artists and animators or collectors of Victorian curiosities. Only one available. Enjoy!
Price: 75 USD
Location: San Francisco, California
End Time: 2024-12-04T01:45:40.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Brand: Van Cort Instruments
Type: Educational Toys
Subtype: Science/ Nature
