Dimensions: 17" tall x 8" wide (8 ½" at the base) x 8" deep (8 ½" at the base). Weighs over 8.5 lbs. The wood (cherry?) is finished and lacquered. Two-part body, with the main body of the viewer standing freely on the skirted base. The top opens on a piano hinge to provide access to the chain with 25 slides. The key to the lock in the top is missing. Two large wooden knobs on the sides are for changing the slides in the viewer but can also double as handles. Smaller knobs close to the top are to adjust the focus of the eyepieces.

The side opposite to the eyepieces features a 6 ¼"

Dimensions: 17" tall x 8" wide (8 ½" at the base) x 8" deep (8 ½" at the base). Weighs over 8.5 lbs. The wood (cherry?) is finished and lacquered. Two-part body, with the main body of the viewer standing freely on the skirted base. The top opens on a piano hinge to provide access to the chain with 25 slides. The key to the lock in the top is missing. Two large wooden knobs on the sides are for changing the slides in the viewer but can also double as handles. Smaller knobs close to the top are to adjust the focus of the eyepieces.

The side opposite to the eyepieces features a 6 ¼" x 3 ¼" rectangle of opaque glass to provide lit background against which the slides are viewed.

This is a comparatively small form stereoscope, containing only twenty-five slide holders. "Standard" Mattey-style viewers had fifty slides, although there existed larger floor standing models for 100 and 200 slides.

Mechanically, the stereoscope is in good working order, and all 25 slides are in place. The wooden case shows a couple of small chips and cracks, but is structurally quite sound.

Invented in the first half of the 19th century, stereoscopes quickly became popular in Europe as entertaining tools for "virtual tourism". Manufactured mostly in France, several types evolved, the revolving chain stereoscopic viewer patented and manufactured by Mattey being among the most widely known. This stereoscope is not maker marked but the design is clearly Mattey.

Although, strictly speaking, this stereoscope may not have been manufactured in Russia, it was possibly meant for Russian customers, judging by the views of Russian landmarks on the slides, most of which are in St. Petersburg and the famous summer palace Peterhof with its grand cascade of fountains and magnificent parks.

Please note that the camera in our photo is for size reference only.
$950.00  Add to cart