View-Master

vintage toy · 3-D viewer · photography

Special stereoscope device. View-Master is a handheld viewer that lets you see pictures in three dimensions, making them jump out and feel real. You hold it up to your eyes and click through different scenes on circular reels.

Seven 3-D pairs per reel. Each thin cardboard reel contains seven pairs of tiny transparent color photographs. Your two eyes see slightly different images at the same time, just like real life, which tricks your brain into seeing depth.

Made by Sawyer's. View-Master was originally manufactured and sold by a company called Sawyer's. It became one of the most popular ways for families to explore distant places and famous landmarks from home.

Windows to the world. You could buy reels showing places like the Grand Canyon, Disneyland, and famous monuments. It was like taking a mini vacation without leaving your living room.