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.)
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.
A similar device with more information is found on the following website.
Advertising Displays, Inc.
Date: 1950-1960
Accessories: screw driver; carrying case
Object number: 2003-1-0144
Warmbrunn, Quilitz & Company
Date: circa 1913
Object number: 1998-1-0483
Union Instrument Corporation
Date: 1950-1970
Accessories: carrying case
Object number: 2003-1-0143
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr
Date: circa 1865
Accessories: ocular; objective
Object number: 1027
C. H. Stoelting Company
Date: circa 1925
Accessories: viewing mask (WJ0200)
Object number: WJ0094a-e
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
Anthoine Mestrel
Date: 1551
Accessories: old velvet pouch
Object number: DW0592
Fairchild Aerial Camera Corporation
Date: 1930-1936
Accessories: 3 trunks
Object number: RS0385
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
