Revolving Sweetheart Stereoscope

United States, 1860s

This double-sided ("sweetheart") revolving stereoscope has 25 wooden slots attached to two belts that spin 50 back-to-back stereoviews. The reflectors are missing from inside the top flaps — those would have allowed more light to hit the cards — but otherwise, it's in great shape for its age. It's likely from around the 1850s-70s when revolving multiple-view and double-capacity stereoscopes were first patented and became popular. The card thickness has to be just right to get two in the slot without damaging them, while still ensuring they're snug enough to stay put when they make the bottom turn. Sometimes these types of viewers were sold pre-loaded with cards — maybe that was the case with this one.

Primary Material: Wood & Cardboard
Media Format: 8 x 17 cm Card
Light Source: Natural light
Focus: Fixed
Interocular: Fixed