(Optical Toys) ORIGINAL EMILE REYNAUD "LE PRAXINOSCOPE" SHADE FROM CIRCA 1878. [Paris]: [Emile Reynaud], circa 1878. 7" diameter x 2-1/2" high, with 2-1/4" diameter opening at top. Six rose-colored thin card panels with titles and decoration printed in gilt, connected together with vertical linen strips on back side of cards, with minor rubbing, soiling and wear, for what is still a lovely example, and rare survival, of this early optical toy shade. The "Praxinoscope" was invented by Emile Reynaud in 1876. It was an improvement to the earlier "zoetrope." A shade with the exact same design can be seen in the Richard Balzer Collection online under the heading "Optical Toys: Praxinoscope Theatres." The condition of the shade is VERY GOOD. RARE #001031