England, 1850s

This maroon leather-covered wood stereo daguerreotype case was designed and patented by William Edward Kilburn, registering first in Britain in 1853 and later patented in France. This particular case is embossed on the lens board with “Regr 12th Jany 1853”. Other Kilburn cases may additionally have “Kilburn’s Stereoscope” embossed on them. The case folds flat into its latching case, similar to the Mascher case designed in the United States, but has side flaps that latch to the stereoview holder. We don’t know what portrait was originally in this case but the interior has the label “Sarony, American Photographist,” so we assume the missing portrait was taken by Napoleon Sarony who was a popular lithographer and photographer during those years. You can learn more about Kilburn in Andre Ruiter’s article: Kilburn’s Folding Stereoscope.