View-Master Model B and reels

Insert a reel, press the lever and explore! While stereoscopic tech dates back to the 18th century, it was the launch of the View-Master in 1939 that brought it to living rooms worldwide. The Model B (1944–47), made from durable Bakelite, represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of stereoscopic entertainment. Using vibrant Kodachrome film, it offered immersive ‘virtual tourism’, swapping 2D postcards for three-dimensional colour images, making it a perfect souvenir of events like the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. This rare UK version of the Model B, featuring flared eyepieces, was only available in jet black. 

However, the View-Master wasn’t just for entertainment. During the Second World War, the US military used it for training, purchasing millions of reels to aid recruits with artillery spotting and aircraft identification. Later, reels were released that catered more to kids and for educational purposes. This dual role – as both toy and tactical tool – underscores the View-Master’s versatility in offering a window into new worlds.