Kine Projector Mechanism with Separate Crank Handle

Kine projector mechanism, with separate crank handle, made by C. Goodwin Norton about 1896, 35mm.

C. Goodwin Norton was born 8 April 1856 in Shere, Guildford, Surrey. He worked as a cabinet-maker but his left hand was partially paralysed in an accident, and he opened a stationers shop at St Pancras, London. He later recalled how he purchased a lantern and slides at a book sale, gave several private shows before buying a bi-unial and launching into public performances, while retaining his stationers business. He became well-known for his spectacular lantern entertainments - eventually with a triple lantern and featuring dissolving views - introducing films into his programme during the latter half of 1896. He then acquired a Velograph camera and produced quite a number of films through to the end of the century, some or all of which were processed by G.A. Smith of Hove; titles such as Street Panorama, Promenade and Circus.