This lot consists of 93 stereoview cards and a Holmes-pattern stereoscope. The stereoview cards were issued by Excelsior Stereoscopic Tours and come in a lined wooden case to protect the viewer and the cards.Stereoscopes were also called stereoopticons. They are an old invention that allowed photos to be viewed in 3-D. The first stereoscopes date back to about 1838. Various models were available, and this one was developed by Oliver Wendell Holmes, an author, poet, inventor, and father of Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., a United States Supreme Court justice. Holmes invented his stereoscope in 1861, but didn’t patent it until years later, which made it more affordable to the general public. This model has a patent date of 1897 on the wood. Many stereoscopes were made completely of wood. This stereoscope has a decorative metal viewer with two prismatic lenses and a stand to hold the stereo card, as well as a wooden handle to hold the stereoscope. You can adjust the distance of the card to get the right focal point for the photo. The cards have two images printed side-by-side, and the photos are taken from slightly different angles, so when you view the photos, they appear three-dimensional.Many of the card photos were taken by M. E. Wright. A few cards have minor wear, but overall the cards and stereoscope are in great condition. So is the box. The box measures 14 1/2 x 6 3/4 x 5 1/4 inches.Comes with a bill of sale from 1999.