stereoscope
Date1950-1960
Inventory Number2003-1-0144
ClassificationStereoscope
Subject
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensionsstereoscope: 10.6 × 17.2 × 11.6 cm (4 3/16 × 6 3/4 × 4 9/16 in.)
case: 3.5 × 18.4 × 11.8 cm (1 3/8 × 7 1/4 × 4 5/8 in.)
case: 3.5 × 18.4 × 11.8 cm (1 3/8 × 7 1/4 × 4 5/8 in.)
Material
Accessoriesscrew driver; carrying case
DescriptionThis stereoscope is supported by a metallic frame. On one side is the adjustable eyepiece that corresponds to the width of the viewer's eyes. On the other side are two pieces of glass, framed. One can also move sideways with the help of a micrometric screw. It has two horizontal scales to make measurements. The device folds sideways so it can be stored in a case. It was put on top of stereoscopic images, most likely aerial views.
Signedon instrument: Austin / PHOTO INTERPRET-O-METER / MFD. BY ADVERTISING DISPLAYS, INC. / COVINGTON, K.Y., USA, PATENT PENDING
(slightly different on case)
Curatorial RemarksThe name "Austin" comes from the inventor of this type of stereoscope, Charles D. Austin. An original patent granted in 1942 is most likely the source of this more recent model.
The original patent can be viewed online <a href="http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-adv.htm&r=7&p=1&f=G&l=50&d=PALL&S1=austin-charles-d.INNM.&OS=in/austin-charles-d&RS=IN/austin-charles-d" target="_blank">here</a>.
FunctionThis instrument was used primarily for photogrammetry, i.e. the science or art of obtaining reliable measurements by means of photographs. Stereoscopic photographs of aerial views would be put side by side in front of the viewer. These would be seen through the adjustable eyepiece and would become one 3D representation of the photographed terrain relief. Measurement on that terrain can thereafter be made using the scale and micrometric screw.
Union Instrument Corporation
Date: 1950-1970
Accessories: carrying case
Object number: 2003-1-0143
Warmbrunn, Quilitz & Company
Date: circa 1913
Object number: 1998-1-0483
Zeiss-Aerotopograph
Date: circa 1950
Accessories: instrument is in original wood storage/carrying case. listed accessories: base plate, mirrors (2) and tubular holders (2), anchors (2), prism yoke, monocular adapter, lighting set with bulbs (3, one currently in lamp, its box in box of 2009-1-0002b), 2 monoculars (4 or 6 power) [6x24 (infinite) L or R Zeiss aerotopo logo), "fork"-shaped support (V rather), green filters (2) , dioptre lenses (2), strabismus-correcting lenses (2), photo holder, permanent magnets (8)
Object number: 2009-1-0002a
Pickett & Eckel, Inc.
Date: after 1964
Accessories: brown leather case with belt clip
Object number: 1991-4-0004c
Pickett & Eckel, Inc.
Date: copyright 1959
Accessories: brown leather case with hard plastic lining and flap closure; small plastic bag; Twin Pack box; 3 instruction manuals (in file); belt loop (1991-4-0004b); pocket slide rule (1991-4-0004c); cardboard box
Object number: 1991-4-0004a
Pickett & Eckel, Inc.
Date: circa 1951
Accessories: brown leather case with table of equivalents
Object number: 2004-1-0341