10
Lot 141:
Description
This lot consists of a Victorian Holmes-style hand-held stereoscope viewer accompanied by a set of ten stereoview cards and an original storage box base. The viewer is constructed with an embossed metal hood, likely aluminium or tinned steel, featuring a worn leather-covered edge. This hood is mounted to a wooden slide rail with a turned wooden handle on a folding metal hinge. The device contains fixed dual magnifying lenses designed to create a three-dimensional effect from the stereographic cards.
The set of ten stereoview cards is published by Underwood & Underwood, with printed margins stating Underwood & Underwood, Publishers and listing branch locations in New York, London, Toronto, and Ottawa. Subject matter includes international landmarks and historical scenes, including the Houses of Parliament in London and views of colonial India. The bottom section of the original cardboard storage box is present.
Slide rail length: 30 cm
Viewer hood width: 18 cm
Card dimensions: 17.8 cm x 8.9 cm.
Condition report:
The viewer hood exhibits significant surface oxidation and spotting. The leather trim around the eye-piece is heavily worn, frayed, and detaching in several locations. Wooden elements are structurally sound but show surface scuffs. The lenses are intact but require cleaning. The stereoview cards show typical age-related wear including yellowing, minor foxing, and bumped corners; some images show light fading. The cardboard box base is in poor condition, being heavily worn and frayed with the lid missing.
Share this lot:
