Underwood & Underwood Viewers

Underwood & Underwood was likely the largest and most innovative stereograph producer. Brothers Elmer and Bert started the company in 1897. It was sold to Keystone in 1921.  They produced most of their views in boxed sets and had them on nearly every country and subject in the world. Millions of views were sold for education in schools.

Typical boxed sets by Underwood. The left set contains 100 views and has the companion travel guide with maps and plans booklet. Sets will be found in custom oak boxes in various sizes containing one or two viewers and up to 200 views. A file drawer cabinet was also sold. Each drawer held 100 views and contained multiples of 200 views up to the 1200 view cabinet which contained a bottom drawer for viewer storage.

Early viewers were produced by H. C. White and will be found in the typical White varieties. This particular viewer in birdseye maple, is labeled "The Perfectscope" and has the Underwood logo in a semi circle. Not all viewers sold by Underwood will have a Underwood logo.

This Underwood made, standard aluminum hooded model has the "Sun Sculpture" Trademark, ca 1910, these are quite common.

The "Underwood Clip" and Underwood handle hinge. The clip has a shoe, shown at the top, which helped to keep the card holder straight on the slide. The hinge is dated 1871 and refers to a Lewis patent assigned to H. T. Anthony Company. Underwood must have purchased the patent rights from them.

A "Deluxe" Underwood viewer. Had an aluminum hood covered in black Morocco Leather and made with fine mahogany woods. This viewer sold for $3 in the Underwood 1912 catalog. Underwood viewers on stands are rare and the stand was pressed onto the standard handle hinge for adjustment.

The last and most unusual Underwood viewer made of aluminum is shown open and closed. - Patent #1197679 September 12, 1916. This viewer is seldom found but were sold for 5 years.

© 2006 - Del Phillips