Simplex projector head assembly used in Australian cinema
Object No. 2007/191/6
The Simplex projector was designed with extraordinarily high tolerance on parts - up to ten - thousandths of an inch on critical components. This and other innovations led to its commercial success and adoption as the industry standard projector by the late 1920s. The design of the Simplex projector underwent modifications and developments over forty years of production however in this time it retained much of what had made it such a successful design. This particular projector head assembly was collected by the donor sometime after its decommission. It may have been used at the St. James Theatre where other Simplex parts in this collection originate from. If that is the case then it may have been in use from around 1925 until the late 1950s.
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Summary
Object Statement
Projector, Simplex projector head assembly and parts, metal / glass / plastic, designed and made by The Precision Machine Co, New York, United States of America, 1925-1955
Physical Description
Projector, Simplex projector head assembly and parts, metal / glass / plastic, designed and made by The Precision Machine Co, New York, United States of America, 1925-1955 Simplex 35mm projector head assembly with Westrex shutter blade assembly. Small collection of 7 tagged used parts removed from working St. James Theatre projectors around 1956. Spare or used film advance mechanism from Simplex projector head assembly in shipping crate. Upper film reel holder for mounting on top of Simplex head.
PRODUCTION
Notes
Due to extraordinary tolerances in the design and machining of critical parts for the Simplex projector it became the industry standard in a short time. This machine with the spring arrangement on the lens mount was produced from 1919.
HISTORY
Notes
Collected by Robert James Lucas. Possibly retained after removal from St. James theatre, Sydney in late 1950s. Retained by the Lucas family until its donation.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of the Lucas family, 2007
Acquisition Date
28 November 2007
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