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Smith Beck & Beck Achromatic Stereoscope Mid 19th Century Serial no. 618. The stereoscope is made of polished mahogany with lacquered brass fittings. At the back is an adjustable frame to incline the viewer for a convenient viewing angle. The viewer has a mirrored door that acts to reflect light for frontal illumination of cardboard pictures; with the mirror closed, the viewer can be used with glass and tissue views. The 1.75 cm diameter prismatic, lacquered brass bound lenses are mounted on a brass plate. The plate is marked Smith Beck & Beck 618. The lenses can be focused by brass knobs on either side of the viewer. In the 1830s, James Smith III opened his shop at 6 Coleman Street, London. In 1847, Richard Beck (1827-66) went into business with Smith; in 1851, he was joined by his brother Joseph Beck (1829-91). After Smith's retirement in 1865, the firm stayed in the hands of the Beck brothers, changing its name to 'R. & J. Beck.” Also included are 6 stereo cards of various sites in England and an interesting letter written in 1965 by the owner of the cards to HW Morgan of R & J Beck Co. giving him these cards, for viewing with the Beck stereoscope. |
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