Omnium

L’Omnium is a foldable pocket stereoscope. The lens panel and the stereoview holder are collapsible, and the handgrip can be unscrewed from the viewing section. When disassembled, the components can be stored in a case, typically finished in burgundy or black.

The first version of L’Omnium was designed for paper stereoviews in various formats. L'Omnium III was intended for glass stereoviews in the formats 45 x 107 and 6 x 13 and is equipped with a ground glass to diffuse transmitted light. The numbering implies the existence of an Omnium II; however, no such model is documented. The designation may refer to a variant fitted with rectangular prism lenses instead of the standard round lenses.

Some L’Omnium stereoscopes are housed in cases bearing the name Julian Damoy. It is often assumed that he was the manufacturer. In fact, Julian Damoy was a Parisian grocer who rebranded and distributed L’Omnium. L’Omnium was a commercially successful viewer, and several rebranded versions exist.

Specifications:

Patents and registrations:

Number: 340728
Stéréoscope-monocle-loupe
Filing: 26-02-1904, Publication: 19-07-1904, Applicant(s): Lucien Bize. via: data.inpi.fr

Further reading: