New Acquisition: Library Kodascope with Storage Cabinet

Eastman Kodak Company ventured into the home movie business in 1923 with the introduction of the 16mm Ciné-Kodak system. It contained all of the machines necessary to create and show moving pictures — camera, tripod, Kodascope projector, film editor and splicer, and projection screen. Unlike 35mm motion picture film of the time, 16mm used fire-resistant acetate safety film since it was to be used by consumers in their homes. The company envisioned home movies to be more than just moving snapshots and suggested that users script and edit to create something more akin to documentaries. Families could relive memories as these movies were enjoyed again and again, projected on their home screens.

Throughout the 1920s, Eastman Kodak introduced several products designed to elevate 16mm. The first was Kodascope Library, a subscription service allowing members access to movies that they could project on their home systems.

The Ciné-Kodak Model B of 1925 was a smaller version of the 16mm camera. It featured a spring-wound motor for the shutter and film advance, allowing it to be handheld. (The first model used a hand‑cranked shutter and film advance, so tripod‑mounting of the camera was necessary.)

The Kodascope Model B of 1927 was the company’s first self‑threading projector. Featuring folding supply and take-up reel arms, it was easier to use and store than the earlier model. A cased version, known as the Library Kodascope, was introduced in May 1929. Along with its attractive walnut cabinet, it came with a folding reflecting screen for both black & white and Kodacolor films.

Perhaps the most elegant home projector of all time was the version pictured here with matching storage cabinet, recently acquired by the George Eastman Museum. Released in July 1929, this Library Kodascope with Art Deco cabinet provided a folding shelf for movie editing, storage for 26 four‑hundred-foot film reels, and a drawer for additional accessories. All of this elegance came at a rather high price of $450 (the base Model A Ford sold for $500 in 1929). Very few of these models are known to exist, likely due to the stock market crash just a few months after its introduction.