A compelling group of original French educational film reels dating to the late interwar period, produced and circulated circa 1935–1939 for classroom and institutional use. Production stamps visible on several reels confirm this timeframe, placing the collection squarely within France’s pre-WWII educational reform era.
The reels were designed as visual teaching tools that cover a wide range of subjects, intended to introduce students to science, industry, modern technology, and skilled trades. Topics represented include biology and botany, animal anatomy and nutrition, food production (cheese, dairy, bananas), agriculture and horticulture, electricity and hydroelectric power, aviation and parachutes, transportation, public health and hygiene, and vocational training such as jewelry making and mechanical trades.
Several reels form a multi-part instructional series, indicating structured curriculum sequencing rather than isolated films. The visual language combines photography, diagrams, microphotography, and classroom scenes, reflecting early 20th-century approaches to scientific and technical education.
Select reels were presented by contemporary manufacturers, illustrating the period’s model of brand-sponsored educational content while maintaining a clear instructional focus. Publishers and distributors include established French educational producers active in the 1930s.
While not a complete curriculum set, this group remains a cohesive and representative sampling of an interwar educational film library—offering insight into how science, labor, food, and technology were taught visually in France before the Second World War.
Found in France, circa 1935–1939
Visible D.P.A. production stamps (1935–36 / 1936–37) on several reels
Celluloid filmstrips on nitrate / early safety stock
Collection of 24 reels (incomplete set); the last of which is from a similar production company to the other 23
Film edges marked Kodak / Eastman and Gevaert (Belgium) on select reels
Distributed by Société O.S.E.F., Paris (22, rue du Quatre-Septembre)
Content blends photography, diagrams, microphotography, and historical imagery
Original storage box labeled “Grands Magasins du Louvre – Paris”; association with the reels is uncertain
Box and reels show age-appropriate wear, patina, and handling marks, consistent with age and use
The box measures approximately 9.625” L x 6” W x 2” H
Each canister measures approximately 1.25” W x 1.75” H
Available for pick up, local delivery, and nationwide shipping.
Request a trade discount here.
A compelling group of original French educational film reels dating to the late interwar period, produced and circulated circa 1935–1939 for classroom and institutional use. Production stamps visible on several reels confirm this timeframe, placing the collection squarely within France’s pre-WWII educational reform era.
The reels were designed as visual teaching tools that cover a wide range of subjects, intended to introduce students to science, industry, modern technology, and skilled trades. Topics represented include biology and botany, animal anatomy and nutrition, food production (cheese, dairy, bananas), agriculture and horticulture, electricity and hydroelectric power, aviation and parachutes, transportation, public health and hygiene, and vocational training such as jewelry making and mechanical trades.
Several reels form a multi-part instructional series, indicating structured curriculum sequencing rather than isolated films. The visual language combines photography, diagrams, microphotography, and classroom scenes, reflecting early 20th-century approaches to scientific and technical education.
Select reels were presented by contemporary manufacturers, illustrating the period’s model of brand-sponsored educational content while maintaining a clear instructional focus. Publishers and distributors include established French educational producers active in the 1930s.
While not a complete curriculum set, this group remains a cohesive and representative sampling of an interwar educational film library—offering insight into how science, labor, food, and technology were taught visually in France before the Second World War.
Found in France, circa 1935–1939
Visible D.P.A. production stamps (1935–36 / 1936–37) on several reels
Celluloid filmstrips on nitrate / early safety stock
Collection of 24 reels (incomplete set); the last of which is from a similar production company to the other 23
Film edges marked Kodak / Eastman and Gevaert (Belgium) on select reels
Distributed by Société O.S.E.F., Paris (22, rue du Quatre-Septembre)
Content blends photography, diagrams, microphotography, and historical imagery
Original storage box labeled “Grands Magasins du Louvre – Paris”; association with the reels is uncertain
Box and reels show age-appropriate wear, patina, and handling marks, consistent with age and use
The box measures approximately 9.625” L x 6” W x 2” H
Each canister measures approximately 1.25” W x 1.75” H
Available for pick up, local delivery, and nationwide shipping.
Request a trade discount here.
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