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French Tabletop Glass-Plate Viewer (Stereoscope) by EDUCA, Paris, late 19th C.

$2,500
£1,903.70
€2,192.06
CA$3,542.72
A$3,810.70
CHF 2,036.55
MX$44,917.32
NOK 25,676.12
SEK 23,472.85
DKK 16,378.36

About the Item

This late 19th-century French tabletop photographic viewfinder (Stereoscope) was designed for the viewing of glass photographic plates, allowing users to examine images in magnified detail and, in some cases, with stereoscopic effect. The apparatus is constructed in stained hardwood and fitted with twin front-mounted lenses, set within a carefully proportioned cabinet form that combines functionality with restrained craftsmanship. The viewer is equipped with a hinged lower compartment housing a vertical rack holding multiple glass plates. These could be advanced sequentially for viewing, offering a curated visual experience. Such devices were precursors to modern slide viewers and reflect the period’s enthusiasm for optical technology and photographic innovation. The maker’s original brass plaque identifies the firm as EDUCA, Société Anonyme, located at 70 rue de l’Aqueduc, Paris, and notes Appareils et procédés brevetés, S.G.D.G. (Sans Garantie du Gouvernement), indicating patented designs registered in France. EDUCA was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and specialized in educational, scientific, and photographic instruments, supplying schools, institutions, and private clients with devices intended for both instruction and visual entertainment. In the late Victorian era, viewfinders of this type were commonly used in domestic, educational, and scientific settings, reflecting a widespread fascination with photography, travel imagery, and the exploration of distant places through visual media. Glass plates often depicted landscapes, architectural monuments, city views, and popular landmarks, offering viewers an immersive experience well before the advent of motion pictures and projection systems. The present example survives in well-preserved and articulate condition, retaining its mechanical elements and demonstrating the ingenuity of early photographic display technology. As both a functional object and a sculptural cabinet form, it stands as a compelling artifact of 19th-century visual culture and optical history. Stereoscope Dimensions: 18.5 in. high × 10.5 in. wide × 7.75 in. deep
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 18.5 in (46.99 cm)Width: 10.5 in (26.67 cm)Depth: 7.75 in (19.69 cm)
  • Style:
    Late Victorian (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Glass,Wood
  • Place of Origin:
    France
  • Period:
    Late 19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Late 19th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1531248059202

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