Stereo Views
Stereo Views
In our last issue of Living Victorian,
in our Journal Section,
we discussed the stereoscope.
Well, now we will learn about the "Stereo View".
The "Stereo View" became popular starting in the mid 1800's to around 1930. The views were photographed by commercial and amateur photographer's. Every home of middle and upper class status had one stereoscope and views, to use most likely in their parlor or library. Imagine, you don't have a radio or TV, so the stereoscope and view became a major part of family entertainment.
Later in the 1800's "Stereo Views" were being sold by door to door salesmen. You could stay in your home and visit the world. If you lived in a small town, you could visit New York City or see the World's Fair, the sites were limitless. You can travel the world from your parlor. The door to door salesmen started selling groups of "Stereo Views" to make more money rather than one at a time. So, you could purchase a whole series of views in the topic you were interested in. Of course, they also came with a storage case that made it very convenient for the consumer to use and store.
There were different types of "Stereo views" produced and were differences in quality. Some of the first views were flat. In other words, they could lie flat on a table. In the early 1880's the curve view was introduced. This view mounted on a heavier stock card stock and so was introduced as an improvement on the flat views.
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There was other unique views that were produced in Paris, France.
They were very thin and made in a tissue paper like material. So,
they were very hard to keep in good condition.
Their subjects in the views were in some cases,
actually clay figures depicting theatrical
plays in Paris. When you put these unique views up to light, bright colors
appear also, some were pin pricked to look as if lights are passing through.
As with every collectible condition is your main concern. The better condition the more the "Stereo view" is worth. Of course, the subject matter is important. The more rare the subject the higher the value of the view. Always, collect what you like, so you may want to concentrate on one subject at a time to collect. This is a wonderful object to collect since most views are fairly inexpensive. You could buy a good condition view for around $3 - $5.00. This is also a great family hobby. Why not entertain your family the way our Victorian ancestors did the "Stereo view".
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 "Tissue Paper Card" From France  "Tissue Paper Card" From France  Japanese Children
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