Stereoscope was the first 3D picture viewer
Dear John: I have attached photos of a viewer - we cannot remember what it is called - that has been in our family for at least 90 years. Can you tell us the name of the thing and what the value might be? The inscription on the top of the viewer has the date 1900 and the words "Exposition Universelle International" and the company name of "H.C. White Co." We also have about 65 of the cards that fit in the viewer, some of which were made by the Keystone View Company and Griffith & Griffith. - J.J., Internet
Dear J.J.: You have a stereoscope used to view stereo cards. One could say that stereo views were the first 3D pictures. Stereo views were produced from the 1840s to the 1930s. During the early period some were produced on glass, which are quite rare and difficult to find. Most were produced on cardboard. The three-dimensional image was achieved by mounting two almost identical pictures, some were actual photographs others were prints, on stiff cardboard backing so that when viewed through the stereoscope gave a three-dimensional picture. The earlier cards were flat and had square corners. Cards with rounded corners started appearing in the late 1860s.
In the late 1870s, cards were produced with a warp, i.e. given a lengthwise curve that increased the 3D illusion. By the 1880s all cards were curved. In the last few years, stereo cards have increased considerably in dollar value due to collector interest. Common cards that depict travel log images of scenes of foreign places sell in the $1 to $10 range. Uncommon cards - e.g. American Indians, Civil War, policemen, black people, firemen, animals, sport subjects, transportation, and other occupations - can sell into the hundreds and higher. The stereo viewer you have would sell in the $50 to $100 range.
1890 BIBLE
Dear John: My mother-in-law is moving, and while going through her treasures I came across this rather unique Bible. I was wondering what you could tell me about this from pictures I have attached. - C.L.B., Internet
Dear C.L.B.: Your Bible was copyrighted in 1890, making it quite late for any collector interest. The decorative cover appears to be in good shape. Potential dollar value is less than $100.
ESPRESSO SET
Dear John: I am an avid reader of your Star-Banner column and wonder if you might be able to provide some background information on the espresso set shown in the attached photos. This was a gift from an old and dear family friend who said the items were commonly referred to as a chocolate set.
I am hoping the mark on the serving dish, which is approximately 5 inches by 9 inches, is visible. It appears to show an inscription of "CP," followed by the phrase: "Made in German Democratic Republic." The dish bears a registration number of "087" and the two cups both show "076," at least I believe they are registration numbers. - D.H., Ocala
Dear D.H.: Chocolate sets from the 19th century and early 20th century are very collectible, with the greatest emphasis on the ornate chocolate pots. Based on the size of your tray, the cups and saucers appear to be for espresso.
I was not able to identify a maker using CP in Germany. The phrase "Made in German Democratic Republic" indicates the three pieces were made between 1948 and 1990. Potential dollar value is catch-as-catch-can.
CEDAR CHEST
Dear John: Unfortunately, I have no way to send a picture of an old family cedar chest. Let me furnish a brief description in case you can advise me on its value, if any. There is no brand name, but on the inside of the top there is a pencil drawn rectangular box divided in half by another pencil line. "Style No." is stamped in the upper box with pencil marked "90-45." "Serial No." is stamped in the lower box with a serial number stamped in red. The exterior of the chest is a mahogany color with two small sections of a lighter inlaid wood on the front. In the front center, there is a series of five upside down "U" pieces of ridged wood. Any clues as to how old, origin or value? Thanks for your help and for your article in the Star-Banner. - B.A., Internet
Dear B.A.: As they say, "a picture is worth a thousand words." Based on your words, the cedar chest does not sound very interesting. However if you are able to get a couple of good clear photographs sometime, I would be glad to help.
BORERS
Dear John: Some time ago a reader asked if you knew what the "stacked" brass tubes that were about 7 inches long and had the edges sharpened. Well, these are cork and/or rubber stopper borers. I used them during my research and undergraduate days. Fisher Scientific sold them. In fact, I still have a set of them to this day. - J.J.R., Internet
Dear J.J.R.: Wow, thanks for your response after all this time. I know what you say is correct due to the large number of responses from our readers who also had used them and still had them around.
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John Sikorski, an Ocala antiques dealer, has been in the business for more than 30 years. He hosts a call-in radio program, "Sikorski's Attic," that can be heard every Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon on WUFT (89.1 FM). Send your questions to Sikorski c/o the Star-Banner, P.O. Box 490, Ocala, Fla. 34478-0490, or e-mail him at sikorskisattic@aol.com.