Stéréo-Classeur Hemdé

Most information about the Hemdé stereoscopes can be obtained from Notice et prix courants des stéréoscopes classeurs “Hemdé”, published in April 1914. This booklet contains a catalogue, a user manual and a price list. The first page describes the company’s stereoscopes:

High precision instrument, with a simple and irreproachable mechanism, it has all the improvements of its counterparts in addition to serious advantages. It is distinguished from other similar devices as much by its extreme simplicity as by the robustness of its parts and its absolutely unbreakable mechanism which is protected from dust and humidity.

Models:
Three models of the Hemdé stereoscope were available, in waxed walnut or polished mahogany:
Série I was intended for the 45 x 107 stereoview format and featured a wooden cabinet for storing up to 12 trays with 300 slides.

Série II was available for the formats 6 x 13, 7 x 15, 9 x 14, 10 x 15 and 8.5 x 17. It also included a cabinet for up to 200 glass slides.

Série III was available for all supported formats but lacked a cabinet. Wooden cabinets could be purchased separately.

Operation:
The glass slides are placed in a wooden tray, which is placed into the device. A half-turn of the crank lifts a slide from the slide-tray and places it in front of the lenses. Another half turn places the slide back and moves the tray to select the next slide. The mechanism is bidirectional, which means that slides can be browsed forwards and backwards. Pressing a small crank on the counter allows for free navigation through the slides.

Specifications:

Patents and registrations:

Number: 380115
Vis perfectionnée
Filing: 22-07-1907, Publication: 29-11-1907, Applicant(s): Émile Cuny, Paul Sorel, Maurice Delécaille. via: data.inpi.fr

Further reading: