An antique collapsible stereo graphoscope dating to the late Victorian era, circa 1880. Finished in a beautiful close-grained veneer, it comprises an adjustable stand, sliding card holder, large swing-out magnifying lens for viewing Cartes Postales and twin eyepieces for stereo use. Both the card holder and stand are attractively finished with fretwork detail. The slide carrier slides backwards and forwards for precise focussing and stereo adjustment, and the whole device can be folded flat for storage. When used for viewing stereocards it gives a fantastic impression of three dimensions.

40cm long, 23cm wide and 56cm maximum height when in use, 10cm when folded. Magnifying lens 5” diameter. Suitable for viewing standard 18cm x 9cm stereocards or glass stereo positives.

Condition: The woodwork is beautifully figured and retains great colour and shine, still protected by its original French Polish. There is a small glued repair to the veneer immediately below the L/H card holder hinge and a dark but fairly shallow scratch beneath one of the stereo lenses, as shown in the images and video clip. Elsewhere there are only very minor scuffs and scratches consistent with age and use. The fretwork is excellent. All lenses are in good condition, free from cracks, chips and any significant scratches. The swing out lens is in good condition, with minor losses to the veneer. The ivory finials are missing from both supporting rods. The instrument is in full working condition.