Magic stereoscope

Region: United Kingdom    Period: 1850–1890    Tag: Negretti & Zambra Stereoscope type: Tabletop » Single-view » Pedestal

The Magic Stereoscope is a pedestal stereoscope distributed exclusively by Negretti & Zambra. The viewer shares external features with Knight’s Cosmorama, which suggests that Knight may have been involved in its manufacture.

The Magic Stereoscope is a feature-rich viewer based on four designs described in a patent by George Cooke. These include the use of trumpet-shaped oculars and a black frame placed for the stereoview to block oblique incoming light. An additional slot in the centre of the body allows the stereoview to be positioned closer to the lenses. In combination with auxiliary magnifiers placed in front of the lenses, this makes greater magnification possible. Finally, supplementary lenses in hinged mounts can be rotated into position behind the primary lenses to compensate for near- or far-sighted users or for viewing with colour filters.

Related items:
Cosmorama  Knight, George & Sons  Negretti & Zambra  Ocular  Pedestal stereoscope

Specifications:

Patents:

Number: 1782
Improvements in stereoscopes
Filing: 26-07-1856, Applicant(s): George Colleton Cooke

Further reading: