First take the hinged scene and fix it in the end of the box opposite the peep-holes. To prevent the flap falling down at an inopportune moment and displaying the wrong scene, a slit must be made at the top of the box and a small strip of tin inserted (B, [Fig. 1]). This strip of tin is also shown at B, [Fig. 2]. It will be found that when this is pushed down, it clips on the flap D, holding it against C.
On being pulled up, however, the flap is released, and, falling down, changes the picture. To lift the flap again, attach a piece of thread to one corner, carrying the loose end out through a small hole in the back of the box.
The wings should be placed in the interior of the show, in the position illustrated by [Fig. 4]. The wooden point at the base of each wing acts as a pivot in a small hole made in the bottom of the box. Four corresponding holes must also be bored at the top.
The wire “handles” next claim attention. They should be pushed through the small hole, as shown in [Fig. 1], and fixed firmly in each wing. The holes must, in every case, be large enough to permit the wings to revolve easily and with the least possible resistance.
Each “handle” is connected by a straight piece of wire having both ends bent in the form of a small ring (G, [Fig. 4]). It will also be noticed in this diagram that one of these “handles” has a considerably longer shank than the others (H, [Fig. 4]). This is to enable the showman to bring about the transformation previously explained.
Fig. 4.—Simultaneous revolving wings.
A glance at [Fig. 4] will make it apparent that when H is turned, the four wings revolve also. Thus the wings for the forest scene may be suddenly switched out of sight, and those for the interior of the cottage displayed, or vice versa, at the will of the operator. To prevent the wings revolving too far, a small block of wood should be nailed to the bottom of the box at the base of the first wing, in the position shown by X, [Fig. 4].
The mechanical peep-show is now finished. After the showman has grouped his audience at the peep-holes, and all is ready for the transformation, he simply turns the wire handle with one hand, and with the other simultaneously raises the clip securing the back scene. All that is heard by those at the peep-holes is a faint click as the wings revolve. Then they perceive, with no little bewilderment, that in some inexplicable manner the interior of the show has been completely changed. The showman will be wise to refrain from permitting them further to examine the apparatus, however, for when they realize the absurdly simple mechanism by which the transformation is wrought, their bewilderment will vanish even more rapidly than do the scenes themselves.