Ceylon Sri Lanka 1908 rare complete boxed set 100 stereoviews ethnography
Brian DiMambro- Antiquarian Books, Maps & Prints
Ceylon
(Sri Lanka- Indian- Taprobane- Indian Ocean island)
Issued 1908 by the Stereo-Travel Company, Corona New York City
Scarce/ Rare
Antique cloth bound book-shaped box with gilt ruled & lettered spines, removable snug fitting lid. Base of box neatly contains100 antique stereoview cards relating to the island of Ceylon.
A genuinely outstanding set of early 20th century ethnographic and cultural views, capturing native inhabitants and the island landscape both urban and natural. The photographer was obviously talented and sensitive to the culture. The views are interesting on many levels, are well composed, utterly fascinating in content.
They have successfully captured a spectacular visual snapshot of the island in a manner unique to stereography- namely, all the views may be enjoyed in delightful 3-D visual format. Every scene literally comes to life when the card is inserted into a simply standard hand-held stereoscope viewer (we could include a nice 100 year old wooden one with this set if you'd like for a mere $50- just ask). Each scene pops alive and it feels like you are there witnessing it at that moment. Great stuff, way better than viewing anything old digitally.
A very scarce complete and well preserved set which undoubtedly had a small production and limited distribution for a small select audience at the time.
In excellent, clean, attractive condition. Box remains sound and solid, shows minor dustiness, light rubbing and small stains, nothing offensive. Thick card views all fresh, clean and a delight to inspect within a viewer. All cards curved as issued for the era, original photographs tipped onto each, letterpress captions below each image identifying the scene, blank on back.
Box measures c. 7 3/4" High x 6 3/8" deep x 4 1/8" along the shelf when standing.
Cards 7" W x 3 3/8" H.
Set price represents $15/ card.
[V114]
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[note: we grade conservatively and always seek to disclose any noteworthy flaws. We feel accuracy and understatement are virtues and we endeavor to practice them at all times in our listings.]