Antiques: Rare steam powered animation viewer valued at $6000

Q. This item (which I believe is a variety of praxinoscope) has been in my family for many decades. The wooden base measures 41 by 12 by 17 cm high to the top of the carousel (16 x 4.75 x 6.75 inches).
As you can see, I haven’t made any attempt to polish the metal surfaces. There are about 10 image strips. The initials E.P. (possibly Ernst Plank) appear both on top of the carousel and on the base plate. Everything moves freely. It’s an extremely interesting device.
Thanks in advance