A superb antique handheld stereoscope by Jules Richard of Paris, marked to the front 'Stereoscope Brevete SGDG, Vues Prises avec le Verascope Richard", and also engraved with the Richard Freres emblem to the metal slide carrier. Quality hardwood case fitted with a ground glass screen, rack and pinion focusing and twin eyepieces each finished with a bakelite eyecap. The instrument - which dates to around 1910 - is sold together with a rare collection of seven glass stereoviews depicting the 1914 Fêtes de Genève (or 'Geneva Festival'), marking Geneva's 100th anniversary of joining the Swiss Confederation. These images were take prior to the outbreak of World War 1, during which the Swiss Confederation adopted a strict policy of neutrality. These are unique and unpublished images, all hand-annotated in French, 'Genève, Fêtes du Centenarie'.

Stereoscope approximately 16cm x 16cm x 7cm. Glass stereoviews 45mm x 108mm (the standard size for Verascope and Taxiphote viewers).

Condition: Stereoscope if very good condition. Optics clear and undamaged. Rack and pinion focusing functioning correctly and without slippage. Strong three dimensional effect. Ground glass screen in good order. Woodwork very good, retaining original French polish with excellent colour and shine, minor wear and scuffs.