Where can I find stereo views?

[Dutchman Dick]

Does anybody currently offer repros (or even originals) of Civil War stereoscope images? A search on Ebay didn't turn up much, though the viewers seem to be fairly common and reasonably priced (they were made at least into the 1920's, I think, and possibly even later). I've been considering purchasing a stereoscope at some point, as I find them to be an interesting piece of old-time entertainment.

[markj]

Re: Where can I find stereo views?

Does anybody currently offer repros (or even originals) of Civil War stereoscope images? A search on Ebay didn't turn up much, though the viewers seem to be fairly common and reasonably priced (they were made at least into the 1920's, I think, and possibly even later). I've been considering purchasing a stereoscope at some point, as I find them to be an interesting piece of old-time entertainment.

I did a quick search on EBay and come up with nearly 2 dozen cards for sale.

The bad news is that CW-themed stereo views are expensive and seem to be getting pricier each year. Mike Medhurst is a good source for views, but he wants an arm and a leg for his stuff:

http://www.mikemedhurst.com/CDV.html

Accordingly, you might also want to see if there are any militaria or antique shows in your area--they're often good sources for stereo cards and you may be able to bargain with the dealers. Estate auctions could also be potentially interesting. I picked up a mint-condition viewer (dated 1901), which had the original eyepiece padding intact (I've never seen this elsewhere), along with a ton of World War I military stereo views for $80 at an estate sale last year.

In the meantime, have you ever just bought an old GAF Viewmaster and its Civil War series of cards, which, I believe, originally came out around the time of the Civil War Centennial? Both viewer and cards should be dirt-cheap. I've still got two 1940's bakelite Viewmasters that were given to me by my grandmother when I was a crumb-cruncher.

Yours, &c.,

Mark Jaeger

[Dutchman Dick]

Re: Where can I find stereo views?

You know, I never even THOUGHT of the Viewmaster. Thanks! I think mine, and my dad's are still kicking around in a box somewhere.

Meanwhile, I also fould Zeller's The Civil War In Depth, volumes 1 and 2, on Amazon.com, for a decent price (under $2 for volume 2, and under $8 for volume 1, plus shipping). Those are supposed to come with their own viewer. They sounded interesting, and the price was right.

[Dutchman Dick]

Re: Where can I find stereo views?

Meanwhile, I also fould Zeller's The Civil War In Depth, volumes 1 and 2, on Amazon.com, for a decent price (under $2 for volume 2, and under $8 for volume 1, plus shipping). Those are supposed to come with their own viewer. They sounded interesting, and the price was right.

If none of you have seen The Civil War In Depth, BUY IT! I haven't received volume 2 yet, but I just got volume 1 today and it's great! Fascinating to be able to see the war in 3-d, just like our forefathers (and mothers) did, sitting in their parlors with stereopticons. Very worthwhile book, IMHO.

[yeoman]

Re: Where can I find stereo views?

Sir, your thread got me to wondering about this so I went to the LOC site. I printed a stereoscopic image and its size is 2 and 5/8'' by 6 and 1/2''. My question is, could you use this image with an old viewer? Thanks.

[Dutchman Dick]

Re: Where can I find stereo views?

If none of you have seen The Civil War In Depth, BUY IT! I haven't received volume 2 yet, but I just got volume 1 today and it's great! Fascinating to be able to see the war in 3-d, just like our forefathers (and mothers) did, sitting in their parlors with stereopticons. Very worthwhile book, IMHO.

Volume 2 arrived this past weekend. It's every bit as good as the first volume, and made even better by the inclusion of an improved stereo viewer that is easier to use than the one supplied with Volume 1.

[Dutchman Dick]

Re: Where can I find stereo views?

Sir, your thread got me to wondering about this so I went to the LOC site. I printed a stereoscopic image and its size is 2 and 5/8'' by 6 and 1/2''. My question is, could you use this image with an old viewer? Thanks.

You might. I believe the Holmes-type viewers were meant for 3" by 7" views, so give it a try and see.

What is LOC, anyway? Can you post a link, if it's not already on this website?

[fedguy]

Re: Where can I find stereo views?

LOC = Library of Congress
NA = Nationial Archives

[Dutchman Dick]

Re: Where can I find stereo views?

Thanks! And please excuse my ignorance...:confused_