Philips “Metalix” Pseudoscope With Case & Accessories C. 1930.
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:4318807 |
Philips “Metalix”Pseudoscope with case & accessories c. 1930. This is anearly product of global technology giant Philips, Eindhoven, the Netherlands (https://www.philips.com). The Pseudoscope itself was first described by SirCharles Wheatstone in the 1830's and is abinocular optical instrument that reverses depth perception. Objects viewedthrough it appear inside out, for example: a box on a floor would appear as abox shaped hole in the floor, foreground becomesbackground ...and visa versa, left is swapped with right etc. Theexperience of using a pseudoscope can be quite disconcerting, even sometimes causingnausea, loss of balance and general disorientation. Or it can be tremendousfun!This very wellmade and sophisticated example, constructed from molded bakelite with metalcomponents, is of the high quality prism type as per the original Wheatstonedesign, cheaper versions instead using mirrors Overallwidth is 115mm, weight 305g so the size of typical opera glasses. Opticsconsist of two large symmetrical prism blocks left/right of special design to create the illusion. The pseudoscope doesnot use lenses but in their place there are flat glass dust covers. But an additionalfeature of this Philips type is a pair of +4 close-up eyepieces which fit easily by dovetails in place of the original plain glass eyepieces. “Focusing”is by a central thumbwheel which flexes the central bridge until an acceptableimage is achieved.This particularexample is in excellent complete and clean original condition, with clearoptics and is in full working order. There is no damage to any of the glass componentsand the black bakelite is undamaged, still with a nice bright sheen. Thepseudoscope comes in its original fitted hardwood case with purple satin lining with compartments for the supplemental +4 lenses. A very entertaining curiosityand fine collector’s piece.The pseudoscope will be verycarefully packed in a new oversize box with bubble wrap and crumpled paper filler and sent fully insured and tracked. I normally mail the day followingpayment received. Postage:-UK free, Europe £4, rest of world£8. I never end auctions early sodefinitely no “buy-it-now” price. Returns only accepted for damage in transitor serious faults.
