Solomon Flash Lamp

Manufactured By Joseph Solomon
22 Red Lion Square
London, England
ca. 1864

Joseph Solomon filed the patent on September 30, 1864. It appears that this rare lamp is considered the first used for artificial light photography using a Magnesium Flash. (See the Encyclopedic Directory of Photography by Henri de la Blanchère 1866 Volume VI, Page 22.) Solomon lamp consists of:  a tripod support, a mobile rack reflector, and a watch mechanism protected by a housing. The latter goes back up with the help of a key. It is used to drive the magnesium tape into its tubular sheath that leads it to the reflector where it burns out.  Height 21 cm.