A large and fine quality antique tabletop stereoscope with internal carousel mechanism with capacity for 50 cards. Carousel operated by handles to each side, with another pair of handles for focussing adjustment. Stamped to the inside with a star emblem and the words 'Marque de Fabrique', also bearing an old Christies label pertaining to a November 2001 auction of magic lanterns and optical toys, selling at that time - 23 years ago - with a price of £294.

42 cards are included. 44cm x 27cm x 25cm, some of which are the earlier and more valuable 'tissue' type.

Condition: An impressive item, beautifully French Polished and with incredible shine, though possibly with some professional restoration at some stage in its distant past. Because of this shine, it is difficult to photograph without reflections showing up in the images - any marks that you do see are likely to be reflections rather than scratches, so please study all of the images carefully. There are minor scuffs and a couple of deeper scratches here and there, also a non-structural shrinkage split across the full width of the right hand side which does show through in the veneer (again, hard to capture in a photograph but arrowed in red). The optics are excellent, the lenses free from chips, cracks, haze and fungus and delivering a crisp image with an excellent impression of three dimensions. The focusing adjustment operates correctly without slippage to the rack and pinion. There minor losses to the turned wooden eye caps. The carousel mechanism functions correctly with only very minor slippage. One wire card holder detached. Cards in variable condition, some stained and with fading.