Ernemann V Carbon Arc 35mm Cinema Projector on Original Pedestal, 1920s

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An extraordinary and increasingly rare Ernemann Model V professional cinema projector, retaining its monumental floor-standing pedestal, large reel assemblies and … Read more An extraordinary and increasingly rare Ernemann Model V professional cinema projector, retaining its monumental floor-standing pedestal, large reel assemblies and historic carbon-arc projection equipment. Manufactured in Germany by the celebrated optical and cinematographic equipment maker Ernemann, the Model V was developed for professional theatrical projection and represents an impressive surviving example of the engineering that defined the formative decades of commercial cinema. Standing an exceptional 215 cm high, the projector has tremendous architectural and sculptural presence. Its substantial cast-metal construction incorporates the upper and lower film reel housings, projection mechanism, original pedestal, enclosed lamp housing and an extensive array of surviving mechanical controls, fittings and adjustment mechanisms. Of particular interest is the carbon-arc illumination equipment. Carbon-arc lamps produced the exceptionally intense light required to project moving images across the large auditoriums of early cinemas and picture palaces, making this surviving apparatus an important element of the projector's historic character. The machine retains a wonderfully authentic industrial surface, with its deep painted finish displaying wear, losses, oxidation, scratches and patination accumulated through age and use. These characteristics contribute considerably to its character and provide the visual authenticity expected of surviving professional cinematographic equipment of this period. Acquired from a long-held private collection, the projector is believed to have been operational when last used approximately 15 years ago. It has subsequently remained in storage and has not recently been tested. It is therefore offered as a historic collectible and decorative object, and professional inspection, servicing and recommissioning would be required before any attempt at operational use. Beyond its significance as a piece of cinematographic history, the extraordinary proportions and highly mechanical appearance give the projector exceptional decorative potential. Viewed from any angle, its reels, optical assembly, controls and substantial pedestal create an almost sculptural composition. It would make a spectacular statement installation for a private cinema, film studio, museum, luxury hotel, members' club, restaurant, bar, gallery or substantial industrial-style interior, while also appealing to serious collectors of early cinema, photographic equipment and industrial design. A remarkable survivor from the history of motion-picture exhibition, combining German engineering, early cinema technology and exceptional decorative presence. Material Cast iron, steel, painted metal, brass, glass and electrical/mechanical components Measurements Height: 215 cm / 84.6 in Width: 45 cm / 17.7 in Depth: 145 cm / 57.1 in See less