Alexander Beckers

G.W. Thorne

Alexander Beckers was an early photographer, artist, inventor and merchant in New York City. He is best know for his early work with the revolving stereoscope. He moved to NYC in 1844 and received 10 stereoscope patents from 1857 to 1877. His business was located at 560 Broadway, New York City. For a short time he was neighbors with E. Anthony and they would be life long friends as well as business competitors.

Beckers was granted patent #99,136 on January 25, 1870 for a hand held stereoscope. The patent drawing shows the unusual banjo shape that will become his trademark. It also shows that at this early date he was still using round lenses. A magazine article in 1877 indicates that he again exhibited his very excellent hand stereoscope at a meeting of the American Institute and that he had introduced it at a previous meeting. I believe he was late in producing these hand stereoscopes in the mid 1870's. He likely sold stereoscopes in his own store but was well represented by Anthony & Co. He also produce stereoscopes sold by G.W. Thorne.

George W. Thorne owned a business at 60 Nassau, New York City. The business was listed as “Albums” most likely photographic albums. He was in business from 1864 to 1879. Stereographs are found with his imprint; most likely he was a reseller and not a producer. He claimed to have a stereoview list of over 3,000 subjects. Most likely Thorne would have sold other Beckers designs. The stereoscopes are easily distinguished from other makers by the slide design and are uncommon. In this example the imprint is on the end of the slide. I have three of these virtually identical, one stamped “Thorne” the others not marked. Beckers stereoscopes will be found in a variety of woods and different size screw in handles.

This style of crossbar clip will be found on Beckers viewers. It was also used on some early Quirolo models.

Here is another example of a nice Beckers viewer with a red paper hood. It has an embossed design with gold leaf and a heavy brass band around the outside of the hood.

Rev 3