Stéréoscope Monétaire

Region: France    Period: 1890–1930    Tag: Mattey Stereoscope type: Tabletop » Multi-view » Chain-based

Le Stéréoscope Monétaire was designed for use in public places. Both the mechanism and the slide holders are notably robust, indicating that the device was intended for intensive, heavy-duty operation. The wooden housing is made of oak rather than the more refined and commonly used mahogany and the viewer lacks any veneer or decoration.

Operation:
The stereoscope is activated by coin insertion. The mechanism is locked by default and is unlocked by inserting a coin through the top. The slides can then be viewed sequentially by rotating the knob on the right side. One slide holder includes an extension; after a full rotation of all slides, this extension releases the coin, which falls to the bottom and returns the mechanism to the locked position. A metal spring assists in both locking and unlocking.

Slides are inserted into the holders by removing the front panel of the device. This arrangement simplifies loading compared with more common designs that require opening a lid on the top.

Related items: Mattey

Specifications:

Patents:

Number: 553784
Stéréoscope à fonctionnement monétaire
Filing: 08-07-1922, Publication: 30-05-1923, Applicant(s): Mattey, Albert Georges. via: data.inpi.fr