Collecting Advice - Kromscop?

[Jeremy Hinton <Jeremy.Hinton@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

        Sorry if this is off-subject. Not much 'collecting' debate goes on  
        here!. (Please reply off-list if you think it in/appropriate)


I have come across a 'Kromscop' which is to be auctioned on Wednesday,
and am seeking advice...

The Kromscop is a turn-of-the-century colour stereoscope, which uses
three black and white positive glass (stereo) slides, each exposed through 
a different filter. In the viewer, the slides are seen through similar
colour filters, and combined to create a full colour image. It takes the 
form of a folding wooden antique-type viewer. The device was patented by 
F.E.Ives in 1892. No makers name or anything.

The example in the auction is pristine, with the one exception that the 
hood (which should be like the one on the Holmes hand-held stereoscopes) is 
missing. It is in a relatively battered carrying case, and is accompanied 
by six boxes of views. 

The guide price is 350-400pounds, (which is a lot to me). Basically it is a 
really nice object, but I don't know enough about it to mortgage the 
family, so I am seeking advice.

Is this the first colour stereoscope?, 

Is it historically important?

Are there thousands of them in the US?

Perhaps most importantly, does the missing viewing hood seriously affect 
its value? (then maybe it would go for less, or is this already reflected 
in the Guide Price?).


Thank you 


Jeremy








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