unis of Paris Tabletop Stereoscope

A fine tabletop stereoscope by Mattey of Paris, France manufactured under the company’s Unis trademark, a name that was reserved for their higher end products. The viewer is fitted with stereoscopic eyepieces adjustable for focus and separation and internally the slide change mechanism is driven by system of rotating cogs. The cabinet below contains six cartridges each holding up to 25 glass sides in the 130mm x 58mm format. The entire uppermost section concertinas upwards to allow the mechanism to be accessed and cartridges to be changed. The instument bears a label for ‘Unis France Stereoscopes, Mattey, Paris’ and the brass sole plate of the mechanism is engraved with the serial number 4302. Each of the cartridges is embossed ‘Stereotheque Brevette SGDG, Marque Deposee Stereoscope Classeur’ to one end and ‘ Ivorine C H Roger Model Deposee’ to the other. The instument stands 52cm high.

This particular example is accompanied by an interesting collection of glass slides depicting fishing smacks off the East Coast of England, all unique images.

The instrument survives in fine condition, the original French Polish showing only minor scuffs and scratches, the mechanism working smoothly. Lower door missing key.

NOT FOR SALE.