Foldable Stereoscope ‘Le Merveilleux’ with original storage box
Details
The stereoscope consists of a wooden box. The lid contains a wooden block with grooves into which a stereo card can be inserted. When the lid is slid open, the lens panel can be unfolded. The focus is adjusted by sliding the lid, which changes the distance between the lenses and the stereoview. The two square lenses are surrounded by metal frames that serve a decorative purpose only.
(from: Compendium of Stereoscopes)
Historical Context
Le Merveilleux Stéréo Mobile is a compact, portable stereoscope designed for paper stereoviews. It was developed by the publisher Ernest Le Deley specifically for the 9 x 14 postcard-size stereoviews he published.
Le Deley patented his design, but a patent from 1900 already existed for a virtually identical viewer; therefore, the idea did not originate with Le Deley.
Le Merveilleux is listed under a neutral name in the 1936 product catalogue of Mattey, which suggests that Mattey manufactured the viewer for Le Deley.
