Brewster Viewer By Appleton

Founded by Daniel Appleton, December 10, 1785 - March 27, 1849, the D. Appleton Company had several locations on Broadway, New York City. He was well known as a book seller but in 1831 published his first book and would became well known as a large publisher of books and maps. After Daniel died four of his sons, William, John, Daniel and Samuel continued the business and maintained the D. Appleton name as D. Appleton & Company. They were likely the first sellers of stereoscopes and views in the US starting in 1851 and sold them into 1866 under various names. These early viewers were likely imported from England or France. They were produced in various woods and veneers and came with and without stands. In 1861, Appleton advertised photo litho views in sets for .25 cents, sun pictures, as stereoviews were called at the time, from $1.50 to $6 per dozen and good stereoscopes from .62 cents to $8. Large viewers were listed at $85.

This particular Brewster model is morocco leather covered and has it's original stand. Found in deplorable condition it was recovered by a book binder shop who recreated the gold artwork and the blindstamps on the eye piece. Unfortunately the Appleton trademark could not be reproduced. Viewers like these are seldom found in good condition after more than 150 years of storage and abuse.

Note that the base is weighted by a metal ring to help keep it stable. A feature missed by most later makers.

© 2006 - Del Phillips