Murray & Heath

Murray & Heath located at 43 Piccadilly, London, produced a fine, well engineered stereoscope with several variations although all followed the Brewster principles. Most have a brass, bone or ivory tag with the name and date of registry, Reg. Feb. 1857 making the firm one of the earliest stereoscope makers. Tags may be found on the stand instead of the case.

Cases came in a variety of hardwood veneers and were held together with brass screws. They came with a special convex mirror which is most often missing. The lens cartridge was removable for easy cleaning, a feature not found on any other stereoscope. (see example below) The adjustment mechanism was a rack and pinion type focused by turning a knob on the bottom of the viewer. At least 8 different stands were used some of them were very ornate and works of art by themselves. Murray & Heath viewers are quite rare.
 

© 2006 - Del Phillips