214 - LÉON BLOCH, Paris | LE STÉRÉOPHYSIOGRAPHE, First Model

LÉON BLOCH, Paris | LE STÉRÉOPHYSIOGRAPHE, First Model Estimate: €9,000–11,000 Year: 1897 Condition: B+ English: An extremely rare first version of Léon Bloch’s ingenious stereoscopic detective camera, designed in the form of binoculars and made for stereo glass plates. The camera photographs at right angles to the direction in which the user appears to be looking and incorporates a concealed viewfinder, twin lenses, and an internal plate magazine. A particularly important feature of this example is the complete and fully intact original leather plate-changing bag, which allows the 5x12 cm glass plates to be changed within the magazine without exposing them to light. The camera is preserved in excellent original condition and is accompanied by its original fitted leather case. An exceptionally rare and remarkably complete example of one of the most ingenious stereoscopic handheld cameras of the late 19th century. German: An exceptionally rare early version of Léon Bloch’s ingenious stereoscopic “detective” camera, designed to resemble a pair of binoculars and built for glass tops. The camera takes photographs at a right angle to the direction in which the user appears to be looking and features a hidden viewfinder, two lenses, and an internal plate magazine. Of particular significance is the fully preserved, undamaged original leather plate-changing pouch, which allows the 5 × 12 cm Glass tops to be changed in the magazine without exposure to light. The camera is in excellent original condition and is offered with its original, custom-fit leather case. An exceptionally rare and remarkably complete example of one of the most sophisticated stereoscopic handheld cameras of the late 19th century.