We have always considered and collected these commercial masks and helmets as industries tribal art. Examples can be elegant in their simplicity or bazaar and complex. They are always unique, suprising and filled with personality.
Antique French Graphoscope, France 1900
Antique French graphoscope souvenir from Paris, made circa 1900 and in amazing condition. This is quite a special piece, composed of three solid-wooden parts with a fine ebony-like finish and original carved decoration. The graphoscope comes with over 100 stereoscopic photographs, also original from the time and showing different black and white stereo images. The device has two functions: the big-sized top magnifier is designed to view postcards and photographs, while the small-sized bottom lenses make it possible to watch stereoscopic images such as the ones which come with the graphoscope. The inner photo holder can be adjusted in length so the user can get a perfect focus when using the device as a stereoscope. The graphoscope is composed of three wooden parts: a bottom box which acts as a base, a central tray with the photo holder and the lid, which mounts the lenses and the eyepieces. The three parts are connected by hinges; at the base there is a black-painted wooden piece which supports the device when in use. At the lid, the lenses mount black-lacquered metal eyepieces; the surface is decorated with small carved flowers and details. Graphoscopes were particularly popular items between the 19th and the 20th centuries… $650 for all




