WW1 Aviation Stereoviews

A superb archive of World War 1 aviation stereo positives depicting the South Carlton Airfield in Lincolnshire, UK. The site was opened in 1916 - part way into the war - and comprised seven large canvas and brick hangars, together with wooden living quarters and offices. It was operational for just a few years, eventually closing in 1920. This collection of 50 glass stereoviews (all annotated) provides a fascinating - and when viewed through the accompanying handheld stereoviewer - highly graphic and three-dimensional insight into every aspect of life at the airfield.

The collection comprises unique images showing a huge variety of aircraft, many crash sites, the recovery of wrecked aircraft, aspects of pilot tuition including test benches, inside the hangars, aircraft in flight, staff quarters, motor vehicles and - of course - the officers and pilots who worked at the base. Some of the images show great humour and the famous British ‘stiff upper lip’ in the face of considerable adversity. One image of a nose-dived wreck is labelled ‘one way of landing a Sopwith Bomber’, with other crash sites marked ‘Arnott’s idea of how to land’ and ‘clearing up the aerodrome after a pupil from Harlaxton had landed.’

All images are in the standard 45mm x 107mm format as developed by Jules Richard of Paris. The handheld viewer is also by Richard Freres, with original Ivorine plaque marked “Stereoscope Brevete SGDG, Vues Prises avec Le Verascope Richard.” Mahogany construction, twin eyepieces with rack and pinnion focusing. Date of construction circa 1910.

NOT FOR SALE.