View-master, model C

Side view of a view master showing the viewing lenses. Side view of a view master showing the viewing lenses. Side view of a view master showing the light defusing screens. Top view of a view master showing the slot for the discs. Side view of a view master showing the light defusing screens.
Side view of a view master showing the viewing lenses. Side view of a view master showing the viewing lenses. Side view of a view master showing the light defusing screens. Top view of a view master showing the slot for the discs. Side view of a view master showing the light defusing screens.

Classification

Description

A 1950s View-master model C 3D transparency viewer, made of compression moulded phenol formaldehyde. The View-Master system was invented in the late 1930s as an improved 'stereoscope', superseding the ones that had been popular at the turn of the century, smaller, neater and in colour too. The View-Master's heydays were in the 1940s and 1950s when they became very popular. This example is in the bottom half of its original box and is complete with 15 image discs.
Designers & Manufacturers
Designer (Person)
Unknown
Manufacturer
Sawyer's

Inscriptions

"Sawyer's View-Master"

Object number

AIBDC : 0_6372

Date

1950 (circa)

Method

compression moulded

Material

plastic
bakelite - generic term
phenol formaldehyde
PF
metal
Dimensions
Width
90mm
Height
120mm
Depth
80mm

Colour

brown
black