Historical information

Underwood and Underwood commenced manufacturing stereoscopes and cards in the 1880’s, and by 1900 they were selling 300,000 stereoscopes a year and producing 25,000 cards a day. A large volume of their photographic work survives to this day.

Significance

A popular item which was in common use around 1900. The cards used, provide a useful view of people and places around that time. They were pioneers in the field of news photography. Many of their images are still available today.

Physical description

Metal viewing section with glass inserts with wooden extension with a sliding viewing section with metal brackets. Metal part has figured marking around top. It has a fold down wooden handle with metal hinge.

Inscriptions & markings

Manuf’d Underwood & Underwood Patented June 11 1901Foreign patents applied for.