A Victorian tabletop achromatic stereoscope by Smith, Beck & Beck of London, designed for viewing standard 8.5cm x 17cm stereocards or for glass stereo positives. Signed to the eyepieces 'Achromatic Stereoscope, Smith, Beck & Beck, 6 Coleman Street, London' and bearing the serial number 1036, this instrument dates to around 1860. It is fitted with with adjustable rack and pinion focusing and elevation adjustment for ease of viewing. Each eyepiece is adjustable so the instrument can be tailored to meet the individual sight of the user. When not in use, the entire viewing assembly can be detached, inverted and then housed within the base for compact storage. When stored, it measures just 20cm x 19cm x 14cm. 30cm high when in use.

The company originated in the 1840s, formed initially through a partnership of famous microscope makers James Smith and Richard Beck, joined later - in 1857 - by Richard’s brother Joseph. The company operated under the ‘Smith Beck & Beck’ name for only a short period of time, reverting to R & J Beck upon James Smith’s retirement in 1865.

Condition: A valuable item when in perfect condition - I have sold others on eBay for in excess of £750 - this example comes with some defects and has been priced accordingly. The optics are excellent and the focusing is faultless, providing a crisp image with excellent depth of field. The brasswork retains its original protective lacquer with only very minor blemishes. The timber components are for the most part very good, still protected by their original French Polish and still with excellent colour and shine. However there are splits to the veneer on both sides of the viewer (arrowed in red), likely caused by the hinge screws having been replaced at some stage. There are many light scratches to the hinged flap above the mirror and some minor warping - albeit not very noticeable - to the same flap, also arrowed in red. Overall, this is a very presentable example at a keen price and in good working condition that defies its 160 years or so of age.

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