Vintage Pathé-Baby film reel "The Dove and the Ant" old cinema

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Old Pathé-Baby film reel, visible in the photo, intended for amateur cinema projectors from the early 20th century. The object is a compact, dark-colored reel, with a patinated surface and signs of wear consistent with its age. The top surface of the reel bears the embossed marking "Pathé Baby", characteristic of the brand's original productions, as well as a central circular axle for attachment to the projector.

On the side edge, a period label is affixed, bearing the legible inscription: "La Colombe et la Fourmi" (The Dove and the Ant), which identifies the title of the film contained on the reel. This inscription is typical of Pathé-Baby reels, allowing the content to be distinguished without opening the reel. The reel support appears to be made of metal or a metallic-looking material, with a uniform patina, with no apparent chipping or visible deformation on the exposed side.

The reel is photographed in a case or box with a raw textile background, which is not original but highlights the object. No other accessories or documents are visible in the image. The film, wound inside, is not unrolled: only the outer edge is visible.

This type of reel was designed for Pathé-Baby projectors, widely distributed in the 1920s-1930s, intended for domestic or educational use. The style, the typography of the label, and the general design correspond well to this period.

The surface shows light and regular wear, consistent with old use, with no signs of major impact or visible restoration on the side shown. Some oxidation marks or darker areas may be observed, typical of the natural aging of the material.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Signs of wear, patina, and age marks visible on the reel, original label present and legible. Not tested for functionality.

Did you know? Pathé-Baby was the first widely commercialized amateur cinema system, launched in 1922 by Pathé. These reels were specially designed for Pathé-Baby hand-cranked projectors, which used a 9.5mm film format, a French innovation that marked the history of home cinema.

AFW Reassurance

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Keywords: Pathé Baby, 9.5mm film, old cinema reel, vintage film, Pathé projector, old short film, silent film, amateur cinema, original label, Pathé cinema, old Pathé-Baby film, vintage movie reel