Stereograph of WWI US Machine Gunners Protecting Observation Balloons
Item #: WR489
Click on an image to enlarge
This is a stereograph of WWI US machine gunners protecting observation balloons. A stereograph consists of two identical or nearly identical photos, paired to produce a single, three dimensional image when viewed through a stereoscope. The most common stereographs are card mounted, and were first produced in the 1850's. The height of their popularity was between 1870 and 1920. Oliver Wendell Holmes invented a hand held stereoscope in 1859. The stereographs were usually made of popular tourist sites, exotic locations that the average person would probably never visit, animals and other items of interest. These stereographs enabled everyone to see what before only the wealthy and privileged could afford. This view shows US machine gunners with French made Hotchkiss heavy machine guns on tripods. The guns had a rate of fire of 45o rounds per minute and were chambered in 8mm. These five gun crews work from elevated tripods to make it easier to engage attacking enemy aircraft. The images are in very good condition and have great clarity. Along with the images the front of the card has the name of the publisher of the stereograph, the Keystone View Company on the left edge. On the right edge are different locations listed; Meadville, Pa., New York, N.Y., Portland, Oregon, London, Eng., Sydney, Aus. Along the bottom edge of the card is printed (67) 19204 U.S. Machine Guns Protecting Observation Balloons in France. The back of the stereograph has a three paragraph narrative concerning the balloon observer, the enemy pilot and the role of those protecting the balloon. The same numbers, 19204 and 67, are found along the top edge of the card. The bottom edge is printed Copyright by The Keystone View Company. This is an unusual stereograph of WWI US troops, and will compliment your image collection.
Your Price $50.00 USD
Sorry we are not accepting on line orders at this time. If you are interested in an item please contact me at 615 717 7792 or email me at mwkiser07@gmail.com.
If you have ordered or are considering ordering an antique weapon or artifact from our website please be advised that these artifacts and antique weapons are sold strictly as collectible antiques.
We strongly recommends that these artifacts be enjoyed and appreciated for their historical significance and not ever fired. By ordering you are acknowledging these facts, warnings and assume full responsibility for your personal actions with regard to them.
We DO NOT sell modern firearms , all our inventory is pre 1898 and are classified by the ATF as antiques and require no government paperwork to own.