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Photography first came on the scene in the 1820’s, and was soon to be followed by 3-D “stereo” photography technology.
Stereo imagery first appeared in the 1840’s as line drawings viewed through a scope that blended the drawings together into one having “depth.” As the new technology was applied to photo images a modern collectible was born!
Stereoscopes, or stereo viewers like the one shown above, were very popular in Europe and in America during the Civil War period. The early stereoscopes can still be found in antique shops and auction houses, but they carry a hefty price tag of about $1500 when in good condition.
Turn of the century models, like the one shown below in this 1922 Norman Rockwell painting, are far more abundant in today’s market, and therefore can be purchased for around $100 in good condition.
The old stereo card pictures are very fun to collect. Collectors find that eBay alone has a never-ending supply to choose from.
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1922 “Sphinx” by Norman Rockwell, courtesy Wiki Commons
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And, in case you are wondering, stereoscopes are still around today in the form of Viewmaster toys by Mattel / Fisher-Price!
A keychain Viewmaster, c. 2003, is shown below.
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