Stereoscopic Camera Le Monobloc Simplifié. France, Circa 1920. Working

This gorgeous stereo camera is a French design dating from the 1920s and has survived to our days in good condition and working order. This is a very special camera that lets its user take photographic images on plates. The model is called Le Monobloc Simplifié and was manufactured by Jeanneret & Cie, circa 1920. The camera is a hand-made item; this kind of model was highly popular at the time and was produced by at least four different makers: Boucher, Liebe (also Boucher & Liebe), Broutin and the one that made this particular camera, Jeanneret & Cie. Le Monobloc Simplifié was manufactured from 1912 to 1937 in four different formats for four plate sizes: 6 x 13, 9 x 13 y 4,5 x 10,7 cm. This one is for 6x13 cms. The design is a good example of the high-quality and artisanal cameras on which several Parisien camera makers were specialized in the 1910s and 1920s. It is believed that the original design, Le Monobloc, was so difficult and expensive to manufacture that its production was abandoned in favor of Le Monobloc Simplifié, the model we can see in this images. Screwed to one of the cameras sides we can see a metal plate with the manufacturers name. The top of the piece also bears a circular plate with the models name, Le Monobloc Simplifié, and another one with the inscription UNIS FRANCE. The cameras front mounts two 4.5 F=75 lenses made by Boyer Frères Saphir, with serial numbers 15185 and 15187. Under the left lens we can also see this inscription: D.R.P. Nº 258646 D.R.G.M. Last but not least, there is another serial number engraved in the case: Nº 757711, together with the inscription M.S. 1902. The camera comes with its original reddish brown leather case, in very good condition. This fine French stereo camera is a real collectors piece, bound to draw anyones attention in a showcase with the best vintage cameras. Measurements: Width: 6.6 in/17 cm. Height: 4.3 in/11 cm.