Achromatic Stereoscope

Smith, Beck and Beck achromatic pedestal stereoscope in polished mahogany wood with brass fittings (serial number of 1607). This company based in Cornhill, London, made a variety of optical instruments including microscopes and stereoscopes in the 19th century. It was founded by James Smith, a maker of optical instruments, who had his laboratory at 6 Coleman Street in London. In 1847, Smith went into business with Richard Beck and they were later joined by his brother Joseph Beck in 1851. After Smith's retirement in 1865, the firm stayed in the hands of the Beck brothers, changing its name to R. & J. Beck.