Smith, Beck and Beck Mirror Stereoscope

first type of this elegant and beautifully crafted English viewer. Joseph Beck of London patented his Mirror Stereoscope in 1859, an instrument which was specially designed for viewing stereo pairs mounted in books. The bed of the viewer has a mirror fixed to it and a screen of ground glass is used as a divider. The achromatic lenses, set in adjustable brass mounts, are mounted on a wooden panel which is focusable by means of a double rack and pinion assembly. A reinforced, red leather panel with an imprint titled PATENT MIRROR followed by a production number is mounted on the underside. The viewer comes in an extremely rare morocco leather-covered box with pink velvet lining. A highly collectable and fine item! A classical Smith, Beck & Beck Achromatic stereoscope is also for sale in this auction.