Coin operated stereo viewers

[bryans fan]

I thought Bob might like to see this picture I have, sorry it took so long for me to find it and take a photo!

[bob]

Thanks Bryans fan. I've got a copy of this print among my collection of peepshow viewer prints. Precinema has been one of my interests for a very long time. With the Mutoscope my long time interests in cinema and pre-cinema history and coin op come together.
The peepshow in the illustration does look like a stereo viewer but I think that actually it's a peepshow meant to be used by two people at a time sitting side by side on the bench.

[brigham]

It looks like a stereo viewer for someone with a very large head.

[andyo1967]

Hello
I'm looking for a Colorscope Stereo Viewer with original box, anyone for sale?

Regards
Andy

[atticbrowser]

We had an interesting discussion about coin operated stereo viewers just over a year ago. I learned a lot. I notice there is a stereo viewer, in rather sad shape, in the upcoming Elephant House auction. Seeing it prompts me to say that if anyone sets about restoring this, or any other stereo viewer, I will be pleased to help with advising on suitable replacement stereo images. The slides in the Elephant House machine are what we refer to as ‘Realist’ format or 5 sprocket format, although one pair appears to be different. I was, for some years, the Hon. Curator of the Stereoscopic Society and can probably help track down any stereo images, slides or prints, that are needed.

[pennymachines]

This one sold for £300 a couple of days ago at Chalkwell Auctions:

A 19th Century French oak cased coin operated stereo viewer with multiple stereo cards (coin operation disabled)

I wonder if this was originally coin-op or simply adapted from a domestic model.

[bryans fan]

I too looked at this and came to the conclusion that it had been adapted to coin op.

[badpenny]

I was, for some years, the Hon. Curator of the Stereoscopic Society and can probably help track down any stereo images, slides or prints, that are needed.

Fascinating, and how far apart are your eyes?

[atticbrowser]

Fascinating, and how far apart are your eyes?

I had them surgically adjusted years ago to be the same distance apart as the two lenses on my stereo viewers.

PS I also think this is a standard parlour table top viewer that has been adjusted to coin-operation.

[paulbohlmann]

Hi atticbrowser,

you showed a picture from inside of one of your machines:

could you show a picture from outside / the front.
Looks like the "Maxim" build by Automatenbau Pfronten.

aa1.jpg (14.84 KiB) Viewed 5596 times

I have one under restoration which is at the moment just a
bunch of garbage....

Regards Marco

[wembleylion]

Topic moved & merged - Site Admin.

Whilst visiting The Grange Musical Museum's Fairground Organ Day near Diss, Norfolk on Sunday I spotted this viewer. It was on top of a player piano so difficult to photograph.

[pennymachines]

Instruction card aside, I wonder if this was originally a domestic, rather than a coin-operated, viewer. Did you notice where the slot was located?

[wembleylion]

Instruction card aside, I wonder if this was originally a domestic, rather than a coin-operated, viewer. Did you notice where the slot was located?

Sorry no, the top of the piano was at head height so I could not see the top of the viewer at all. They were very busy with the fairground organs so I couldn't find anyone to get it down. I'm hoping to go back to the museum in November, it will be less busy then, and will ask if they can get it down for me to get a better look at it and get some photos.

[sentimental salvage]

I have a few of this type. I believe they may have been made in South Australia. There again, I may be wrong.

[jetsetjester]

Just revisiting this fantastic thread with so much great information contributed by everyone.

An amazing find sentimental salvage. Given one of the machines shows pre-decimal currency, it would not have been operated since before 1966. Constantly amazed what turns up here in Australia.

As a matter of interest has the colour faded in the images in the machines, or is it still good??

[sentimental salvage]

Hi Jetsetjester, the images are still pretty clear and not faded. I have a box full of spare images too. Also another seven of these viewers that have not been restored yet.