The Achromatic Stereoscope is a tabletop stereoscope for viewing paper card and glass stereoviews. The base plate of the viewer folds into its storage box which serves as a stand. Stored in the box, the base plate of the viewer becomes the cover and two locks hold the assembly together. A mirror can be placed in two brass arms to illuminate the glass stereoviews. The viewer part can be tilted to enhance the viewing experience.
Specifications
| Manufacturer: | R & J Beck |
| Year of introduction: | c. 1860 |
| Year of manufacture: | 1860–1890 |
| Type: | Tabletop |
| Viewer: | Single-view |
| Serial number: | None |
| Stereoview support: | Glass and paper stereoviews |
| Stereoview format: | 8.5 x 15 cm |
| Lens focussing: | Yes |
| Inter-ocular adjustment: | No |
| Eyepiece blinders: | No |
| Dimensions (L x W x H): | 20 x 18 x 29 cm (expanded, in oblique viewing mode) |
| Construction: | Mahogany |
| Other features: | Containes original storage box Inscription on the left lens: Achromatic R & J Beck Inscription on the right lens: Stereoscope – 31 Cornhill London |
Glossary: achromatic lens / inter-ocular adjustment / single-view / tabletop
R & J Beck
James Smith started a partnership with his former apprentice, Richard Beck, in 1847. Richard’s brother Joseph also joined, and from 1857 the company was known as Smith, Beck and Beck. The company specialised in the manufacturing of microscopes but also made stereoscopes and was a publisher and seller of photographs. Smith retired in 1865 and the company was continued by the Beck brothers as R & J Beck.