Helioplast Stereoscope

Germany, 1900s

There are 2 styles of the Helioplast cardboard pop-out viewer. Both versions allow the lid to be folded back and snaped in place when open and both allow the stereoview holder to slide in and out to focus. However, they each have different graphics and a different mechanism for popping out the lens shield when the viewer is opened. Both were made around 1900 and are difficult to find in good shape with all the pieces intact. Helioplast also had a number of stereoview sets, at least 25, mostly travel-related. We were able to locate a set of Japan stereoviews (shown below) published by B. Koci in 1907. One of our viewers came with a much later stereoview of what looks to be a portrait of a young Max Schmeling, the German heavyweight champion boxer who famously fought Joe Louis twice.