Name Of This Type Of Optical Postcard.

Hello everyone I have this cannister with "postcards". They look like rice grain, but they are postcards.(unfortunately all the same)

They are about 7 mm long, a miniature postcard from Boulogne Sur Mer (1910-1920) is shown. 6 little pictures making a postcard, pictures of the harbour, Cathedrale etc.(a set up you see regularly on postcards of that era)

You hold the card to the light and look through the side which is round. this works like a magnifier and you can see the picture inside really well.

A good picture is impossible as you understand.

Question 1: Does anyone have a simular example of another town, city, event.

Question 2: What would the correct name for this kind of postcard be?

kind regards,
Johan

I have heard of HTL (Hold To Light) cards, but, this I have never seen before.

Unfortunately, I am not sure what you would call these?

Hopefully, another member may be able to shed more like on this topic?

Chimo

Bujutsu

It looks to me like you have a supply of Stanhopes ready to be set into all kinds of Victorian-era novelties (pens, letter openers, pipes, knives, jewelry, etc.) by the manufacturer. There are many collectors of these micro-viewers; Google the term and check ebay for many examples.

I happen to collect vintage pocket knives and knives with Stanhopes are highly sought after and pricey (roughly $200 on up).

Dennis

Thank you Chimo, Dennis and Rod.

the second I saw the word Stanhope I remembered seeing a Stanhope object on the BBC Antiques Roadshow some years ago. it just takes one word.

I like the description Micro Viewer.

Dennis, would you like to have a few for your collection?(for free of course)

Johan

Yes indeed Johan... thank you! I sent you an email.

Anything I can send you in return? U.S. stamps?

Dennis

Johan's Stanhope viewers arrived today... thank you Johan! Each viewer shows six postcard scenes of Boulogne, France. Very cool and I appreciate it very much.

Dennis