35mm Cummings and Wilson Projector, Model "M" 1941 With stand, reel cans and power accessories

"A projector's reputation, like a man's character is built, not conferred. A man's character is what he makes it. Similarly a projector's reputation must be earned."

- James Cummings

This projector had a long working life in a number of cinemas around Coffs Harbour. Originally at the School of Arts, Jack Gerard installed the projector at the Tasma in 1941, where it remained in use until the theatre closed in 1968. It was then transferred to the Jetty Memorial Theatre and later to the drive-in cinema located on the Pacific Highway at North Boambee. It was donated to the Coffs Harbour Historical Society in 1983. Cummings and Wilson were pioneers in the design and manufacture of cinema projectors in Australia and patented their designs in Great Britain and the USA, successfully competing with the world's leading companies. As one newspaper put it in 1930: It is not generally known that Australia produces one of the finest pieces of precision machinery in the world, for experts concede there is no better projector than that made in Sydney by Messrs Cummings & Wilson. The projector is, of course, the heart of the movie show. It is the final link between the studio and the public, and poor projection can easily mar the world's finest picture. The first Cummings and Wilson projectors were made just after the First World War, and by 1936 they had sold over 1000 across Australia. 70% of the cinemas in New South Wales had Cummings and Wilson projectors. The company was headed by James Cummings and Harold Wilson who together designed and manufactured their machines at 29 Alberta Street, Sydney. Harold Wilson ran the company single-handedly after Cummings died in 1926. He was described as "the brilliant young engineer who has applied himself to the perfection of the projector". The Model "M" featured Cummings and Wilson well-established design concepts but was considered a great improvement due to its automatic cut off centrifugal bearing and externally mounted shutter at the rear of the body.

35mm Cummings and Wilson film projector, model "M", with stand, reel cans and power accessories.

Model M, serial L, has framing handle at the front of the machine. Aluminium bracket is for a cinemascope lens installation.

Post-war model M serial L No. 2153 has shutter shaft on flywheel side. Automatic cut off centrifugal bearing and activating lever passes through main plate to the cut off blade. Also has a large externally mounted shutter at the rear of the body but still the basic Cummings and Wilson design concept.