Smith, Beck & Beck Stereoscope

A Victorian tabletop stereoscope by Smith, Beck & Beck of London, designed for viewing standard 8.5cm x 17cm stereocards or for glass stereo positives. Engraved to the front ‘Smith, Beck & Beck, London’ and with the serial number 335, making this quite an early example, also evidenced by the hooks to the side, where later versions had more sophisticated catches. It is fitted with with adjustable rack and pinion focusing and elevation adjustment for ease of viewing. Each eyepiece is adjustable so the instrument can be tailored to the individual sight of the user. When not in use, the entire viewing assembly can be detached and inverted to be housed within the base for compact storage. When stored, 20cm x 19cm x 14cm. 30cm high when in use.

The company has its origins in the 1840s, formed initially through a partnership of famous microscope makers James Smith and Richard Beck, joined later - in 1857 - by Richard’s brother Joseph. The company operated under the ‘Smith Beck & Beck’ name only for a short period of time, reverting to R & J Beck upon James Smith’s retirement in 1865.

NOT FOR SALE.