Chain-stereoscope ‘Le Phénix’ with interchangeable belt
‘Le Phénix’ is an ultra-compact revolving stereoscope. It features a belt with wooden bars that hold detachable metal stereoview holders. The belt is suspended on a four-sided prism metal bar with a large knob on the right end. Turning the knob advances the images sequentially. Flipping back the top of the viewer, lifting the belt enables the bar to slide out for easy belt replacement. A fold-out mirror at the back adjusts light for optimal image illumination.
The viewer illustrated seems to be an early version with all wooden knobs, while other versions have metal knobs often seen on other Bize devices. The later version has a second large knob on the left side that has to be unscrewed to exchange the belt.
Further reading: Stereoscopy History Series — Lucien Bize (A. Ruiter)
