Historical information

The Universal Stereoscope was used to view overlapping stereo aerial photography in three dimensions (3D). It consists of magnifying lenses, an optical train including glass prisms and mirrors that are protected by sliding metal covers, all suspended on a pair of fold out adjustable legs. The Universal Stereoscope was produced in Australia in 1940 for military use and has its protective wooden box. It was used extensively by members of the Australian Army Survey Corps during WWII in many theatres of war for viewing and annotating aerial photography. See also photograph at 6205.6P. 6205.1P shows the Universal Stereoscope in use by Royal Australian Survey Corps annotating Aerial Photography.

Physical description

6599.1 Wooden Box that contains a Universal Stereoscope. 6599.2 Open Wooden Box showing a folded Universal Stereoscope. A dark green wooden box containing a Universal Stereoscope with spare mirrors. The Universal Stereoscope was used to view overlapping stereo aerial photography in three dimensions (3D). It consists of magnifying lenses, an optical train including glass prisms and mirrors that are protected by sliding metal covers, all suspended on a pair of fold out adjustable legs. The stereoscope is painted a dark green colour.

Inscriptions & markings

"DC 1940" "Serial (Number) - 239 D>D"