Mexican Stereoscope - Antique Collector's Viewer

Antique collector's viewer from the 1900 World's Fair. Size 8x17 cm.

HC WHITE & Co. brand.

Sold with stand. Sold with a stereo map from the 1900 World's Fair.

This type of stereoscope, dating from the 1850s to 1900, was designed for viewing stereoscopic maps, which were rapidly gaining popularity. It consisted of two prismatic lenses set within a distinctive visor (which could be made of metal), as well as a wooden support to hold the stereo map. A handle at the bottom facilitated gripping the entire assembly. This type of stereoscope remained in production for a century.

Holmes stereo or Mexican stereo

It's an American invention, created by Oliver Wendell Holmes, an American poet and physician, although it's often called the "Mexican stereoscope"! Holmes didn't invent the optical principle with two prismatic lenses. But he did create a practical device with its characteristic visor, wooden stand for holding the stereo card, and handle for gripping.