Holmes-Bates stereoscope · walnut, c. 1875
Classic Holmes-Bates hand stereoscope in walnut with original burgundy velvet hood. Lenses clear, hinge tight, folding stand snaps home.
- SKU
- MS-OM-0003
- Era
- Pre-1900
- Condition
- Excellent; original velvet hood, lenses clean, folding stand tight
- Dimensions
- 12 × 7 × 5 in (open); folds to 12 × 4 × 2 in
- Weight
- 1.4 lb
- Provenance
- Consigned from a Boston bookseller closing after 41 years.
- Category
- Antique Media & Optics
- Tags
- stereoscopeholmesvictorianparlorwalnut
The classic Holmes-Bates hand stereoscope, walnut body with the original burgundy velvet hood, produced in the mid-1870s. The lenses are clear and free of the yellowing that plagues later cemented pairs; the septum divider is straight; the sliding card carrier moves without friction.
Oliver Wendell Holmes designed the pattern in 1861 and refused to patent it, which is why every American parlor had one by 1880. Bates added the folding handle. This is a good, honest example—not the most decorated, but structurally correct throughout.
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