Stereographic card viewer

Wooden (likely maple) framed stereoscope viewer consisting of a central wooden spine, to which is attached a folding, turned wooden handle, a sliding viewing frame for holding the stereo cards, and a hooded viewer with a pair of glass magnifiers. Both the handle and viewing frame are secured with nickel-plated brass hardware, screwed to the spine. A pair of bent wire retainers are positioned at each end of the viewing frame; the frame can be slid along the length of the spine to gain focus. The viewing hood is made from shaped, rivetted aluminium, decorated with an incised decorative pattern around its exterior, and painted matt black on the interior. It is rivetted to its wooden frame. A strip of felt is secured around the edge of the hood to protect the viewer's face. The lower face of the spine, adjacent to the hood, is impressed: 'PAT'D / April 20 1897 / SEP 28'

American patented hand-held stereoscopic viewer originally accompanying a set of 1908-dated stereoscopic cards depicting the visit of the American fleet to Australia (see images P09202.001 to P09202.036). No other history is known.