RAF / AAF used Fairchild stereoscope, cased

RAF / AAF used Fairchild stereoscope, cased

Code: M26919

SOLD

Fairchild F-71 Magnifying Stereoscope.  Manufactured by Fairchild Camera And Instrument Corporation of New York.  Used by photo-reconnaisance staff for viewing aerial photographs for interpretation purposes.  The use of these helped to ascertain accuracy of bombing, pinpointing targets and so on.  This 'reflection' stereoscope provided greater, clearer and more comfortable magnification than small 'pocket' sized viewers.  It features a black crystal finished moulded aluminium casing with four hinged aluminium legs, one adjustable at the bottom to allow for uneven surfaces.  The frame also holds two mirrors that were carefully angled such that they reflected the images being viewed into the inset lenses, providing 2x magnification.  Further magnification could be obtained via a demountable 4x magnifying binocular set which, when attached to the frame, allows the binoculars to swing in and out of position as required for use.  Condition is very good and the stereoscope comes in its original fitted wooden case.  The olive drab green painted box is very sound but worn/scratched.  The binocular set is absent but the viewer can be used with the inset lenses.  These larger stereoscopes were designed for the stereoscopic viewing of overlapping stereoscopic pairs of aerial photographs and used from late 1942 at RAF Medmenham, home to the photographic interpretation unit.  Comes with photocopied instruction handbook.  An impressive display piece.  Stock code M26919.