Item is a Holmes stereoscope with a detachable pedestal made to be a handheld stereoscope or standing stereoscope.Originally designed by Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894), the Holmes stereoscope became the prototype for all stereoscopes of the 19th century. His passion for stereoscope technological possibilities became a significant factor in their widespread distributionThis object was often used for entertainment or education. The sterescope was built with a sliding card holder and hood to protect eyes from additional light. Next, two nearly identical images would be mounted and placed in the holder in front of the viewer. Then the images would be looked at through the viewer and merge together to mimic a three-dimensional object. This image was often referred to as a stereograph.