Natural stereoscope
Region: United Kingdom Period: 1850–1890
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The Natural Stereoscope is a deluxe, richly decorated viewer of which only a limited number of examples were likely produced. Less elaborately decorated variants are also known.
The viewing section consists of a large box mounted on a base with a central column, surrounded by four curved arms. The stereoviews are inserted through a door on the side. The housing is equipped with two rollers to which colour filters can be attached.
Specifications:
Classification:
Tabletop / Single-view
Introduction:
1862
Designer:
Hirst & Wood
Maker:
Hirst & Wood
Construction:
Wood
System:
Closed
Medium:
Paper and glass
Format:
8.5 x 17
Lens:
Convex
Lens focus:
Yes
Inter-ocular adjustment:
Yes
Patents and registrations:
Number: 1611
Improvements in stereoscopic apparatus.
Filing: 29-05-1862, Applicant(s): John Hirst, Joseph Wood
Further reading:
- Wing, Paul. Stereoscopes: The first one hundred years (1996) , pp. 41-42
© Antiq-Photo
Published: 02-04-2026