Graphoscope

Also known as: Stereo-graphoscope

The Graphoscope was invented in 1864 by Charles John Rowsell (1802–1882). It is a large, foldable viewing device designed for examining photographs through a single large magnifying lens. When opened, the wooden panel carrying the lens assembly and image holder can be positioned at an angle to improve viewing comfort. Focus is adjusted by sliding the holder towards or away from the lens. Rowsell appears to have obtained only provisional protection and did not complete the patent process. Consequently, other manufacturers were legally free to produce similar instruments.

Later versions of the Graphoscope incorporated a pair of stereo lenses, extending its use to the viewing of stereoviews. These stereo lenses were positioned below the main magnifying lens. George Lockett patented an alternative arrangement in which the large magnifying lens and the stereoscopic lenses were placed at opposite ends of the instrument. There is no evidence that this design entered commercial production.

In 1874, Rowsell patented a second design that incorporated an enclosed viewing box and image holder for the examination of transparent stereoviews. Jean Baptiste Fouquet patented a comparable design in France, likewise incorporating an enclosed viewing box.

The term “Stereo-graphoscope” was not an official designation and is primarily used by collectors. Hawley C. White produced a Holmes-Bates variant of the Graphoscope that was marketed under the name Stereo-graphoscope. A compact Graphoscope variant fitted with stereo lenses became particularly popular in France under the name Pantoscope.

Patents and registrations:

Number: 270
Apparatus for viewing photographic and other pictures, coins and medals, which is also applicable in the production of drawings and paintings
Filing: 01-02-1864, Applicant(s): Charles John Rowsell

Number: 3440
Graphoscopes
Filing: 27-11-1869, Applicant(s): George Lockett

Number: 99450
Instrument dit stéréoscope-monocle
Filing: 14-05-1873, Applicant(s): Jean-Baptiste Fouquet. via: archives.inpi.fr

Number: 1886
Filing: 29-05-1874, Applicant(s): Charles John Rowsell

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