Graphoscope

Also known as: Stereo-graphoscope

The Graphoscope was invented in 1864 by Charles John Rowsell. It is a large and bulky viewer intended for viewing photographs. In later versions, stereo lenses were added, making the graphoscope suitable for viewing stereoviews as well. The term Stereo-graphoscope is not an official name and is commonly used by collectors.

The Graphoscope is foldable, and both the lens panel and stereoview holder can be folded inward. When unfolded, the wooden board carrying the lenses and holder can be positioned at an angle to facilitate viewing. Focusing is achieved by sliding the stereoview holder.

A compact variant of the Graphoscope with stereo lenses became popular in France under the name Pantoscope.

Stereoscope classification

See also: introduction to stereoscope classification