MAGNESIUM FLASH IGNITER

Prosch Manufacturing Company, New York 1890's

Magnesium Flash Igniter made by the Prosch Manufacturing Company, best known for their line of photographic shutters manufactured during the mid-1880's to the early 1900's.

Prosch and other makers, produced hand and stand models that were popular during the last decade of the 19th Century. Also referred to as "magnesium flashes" or "storage flash lamps", they invariably used the word "safety" in advertisements, which couldn't have been further from the truth.

This large, nickel-plated, wood-handled igniter measures 10-3/4" from top (closed) to bottom, with a 5" wide tray. Overall, the nickel plating is very nice, the tray showing the most wear from the heat reaction over time. The tray cover is stamped "Prosch M'f'g. Co., N.Y.", but there are no other marks or patents to help narrow its date of manufacture.

As is the case with many of Prosch's shutters, their flash lamps are very scarce today.