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Holmes-Bates stereoscope
Holmes-Bates stereoscope

Holmes-Bates stereoscope

Datecirca 1875
Inventory Number1997-1-1425
ClassificationStereoscope
Subject
    Maker Antonio Quirolo 1837 - 1914
    Cultural Region
      Place of Origin
        Dimensions18.3 × 15 × 22.8 cm (7 3/16 × 5 7/8 × 9 in.)
        14.6 × 20.6 × 28.3 cm (5 3/4 × 8 1/8 × 11 1/8 in.)
        Material
          DescriptionThe face mask is made of two lenses, one for each eye. It is made entirely of wood. The wood structure is made of a support arm ended by a crosspiece that can slide towards the face mask (to adjust the focus at the viewer's end) on two metallic rods. Two metal clips pivot and were used to fix a stereoscopic image in place. There is also a retractable hand-held handle mounted near the viewer end of the instrument.
          Signedon arm: A. QUIROLO
          Inscribedon arm, stamped: PATENTE MAY 13, 1873 / A. QUIROLO on handle base: PATENTED 12 NOV 1872 QU[IR ]OLO
          Curatorial RemarksThe original record for this instrument said it was holding a stereoscopic print from the William Bond and Sons firm showing the storefront in downtown Boston. The latter is currently missing and could not be found with this instrument. The 1872 patent was for the folding handle whereas the 1873 patent was chiefly for the rods or tubes that slide for focusing purposes. For more information on this instrument and maker, see the following <a href="http://home.centurytel.net/s3dcor/Quirolo/Quirolo.htm" target="_blank">website</a>.
          FunctionThis device was used for recreational purposes and to study visual sensations. The name of this stereoscope comes from Oliver Wendell Holmes, the great American writer, poet and physician. He designed this hand-held viewer in 1859, which was later modified and improved by Joseph L. Bates of Boston, who also manufactured them.

          A similar device with more information is found on the following website.
          Holmes-Bates stereoscope
          American
          Date: circa 1900
          Object number: 1996-1-0702a
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          Date: circa 1900
          Object number: WJ0097
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          Accessories: screw driver; carrying case
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          Accessories: carrying case
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          Object number: WJ1194
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          Date: circa 1865
          Accessories: ocular; objective
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          C. H. Stoelting Company
          Date: circa 1925
          Accessories: viewing mask (WJ0200)
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          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
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          Anthoine Mestrel
          Date: 1551
          Accessories: old velvet pouch
          Object number: DW0592
          Fairchild K-3A and  T-3A five-lens aerial camera systems
          Fairchild Aerial Camera Corporation
          Date: 1930-1936
          Accessories: 3 trunks
          Object number: RS0385
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          Harrison C. Ryker Inc.
          Date: 1945-1960
          Accessories: instruction manual; price list; stereo plate; pair of desert landscapes; carrying case
          Object number: 2003-1-0142