Optical Toy : Paper ZOETROPE Kit (USA - 1896)

Here is the reproduction of a ZOETROPE kit offered to its readers by American newspaper SUNDAY HERALD on April 5, 1896.

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The zoetrope was one of the earliest movie toys and was extremely popular in the latter half of the 19th century. It consisted of a slotted cylinder through with one views paper animated movie strips. Although usually made of a wooden or metal cylinder, this one was first published as a newspaper supplement in 1896, and it brings movies right to your hands – just follow the easy instructions.

The kit includes an exact reproduction of the original supplement (as shown above), plus 3 additional pages for a total of 40 antique, animated strips – 19 in color and 21 in black and white. There is a blank strip ready and waiting for your own imagination, a booklet of animation instruction and historical background about the toy, and wooden spinner pieces.

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