The Stereospekt is a compact multi-view stereoscope that was manufactured by ICA from Dresden. Models were available for the 45 x 107 mm and 6 x 13 cm glass formats. The stereoscope has a different mechanism than the more common revolving or tray-type stereoscopes. Its mechanism is based on gravity to bring the slides into viewing position.
The glass slides are mounted in a metal harmonica belt. The belt can contain up to 12 slides. The top contains instructions on how to position the belt in the device. The instructions are written in three languages, indicating that the Stereospekt was an export product. The slides are firmly clamped in frames, which indicates that the slides should remain permanently in the belt. Regular changing could easily damage the glass slides and additional belts were sold separately. It is a clever solution because the frames in the belt protect the vulnerable glass slides very well. By depressing a small lever on the right side, a holder with a slide is released and falls in front of the lenses..
Specifications
| Manufacturer: | ICA |
| Year of introduction: | c. 1915 |
| Year of manufacture: | Between 1915–1926 |
| Type: | Tabletop |
| Viewer: | Multi-view |
| Mechanism: | The mechanism is based on falling motion |
| Bidirectional navigation: | No |
| Serial number: | 85622 |
| Stereoview support: | Glass stereoviews |
| Stereoview format: | 45 x 107 mm |
| Number of slides: | 12 |
| Lens focussing: | Yes |
| Inter-ocular adjustment: | No |
| Eyepiece blinders: | No |
| Dimensions (L x W x H): | 20 x 15 x 25.5 cm |
| Construction: | Wood |
| Other features: | Other |
Glossary: inter-ocular adjustment / multi-view / tabletop
ICA
ICA, or Internationale Camera AG, was a significant camera manufacturer based in Dresden. ICA was formed in 1909 as a merger of four different German camera makers: Hüttig AG in Dresden, Kamerawerk Dr. Krügener in Frankfurt/Main, Wünsche AG in Reick near Dresden, and Carl Zeiss Palmos AG in Jena. The merger was a strategic move to consolidate resources and compete more effectively in the growing camera market. ICA became one of the largest camera manufacturers of its time. The company produced a wide range of cameras, including stereo cameras, and also stereoscopes. In 1926, ICA merged with three other German camera manufacturers: Contessa-Nettel, Ernemann, and Goerz. This merger led to the formation of Zeiss Ikon.