Safe handling and documentation
Use a consistent identifier for each card and a parent identifier for a box or series. Keep a record of whether the two photographs are present, how they are aligned, and whether the reverse includes a publisher, copyright, caption, series number or handwritten annotation.
Describe the viewer by visible construction, maker marks and adjustment features. This tool does not instruct disassembly, lens cleaning, repair or optical testing. Fragile mounts, loose hinges and aged adhesives may be harmed by pressure or handling.
For digitization, document front, reverse, edges and any accompanying packaging according to your collection’s handling policy. Link an institutional catalog record where possible and note when an identification is based only on resemblance.
Research context: stereograph cataloging
The Library of Congress Stereograph Cards collection guide describes stereographs as paired, nearly identical images intended to be viewed together and notes that its large collection is described and increasingly digitized at item level. For a private catalog, preserve left/right image pairing, exact card captions, publisher imprints and collection identifiers; a flat scan or a subject label alone may omit important format evidence. The LOC guide is a research reference, not an authentication or condition standard.
Stereoscope catalog questions
Is this a 3D viewer simulator?
No. This is a cataloging utility for physical stereoscopes, paired stereoview cards and related collection groups.
Does it identify a photographer or location?
No. Record visible wording and cite research sources. A scene resemblance is not sufficient to confirm a place, maker or date.
Where are records saved?
In local storage in this browser only. Export a JSON or CSV copy for backup; entries are not uploaded to Gemsmakers.