View-Master 1950s-60s Reel Lots

A true and classic retro throwback, the View-Master was a truly incredible innovation when it debuted at the 1939 World's Fair, and it was invented right here in Portland, Oregon! It displays two separate frames - most often Kodachrome color photos or single frames of animated cartoons - and combines them to form a single stereoscopic image, which appears three-dimensional. Each reel holds fourteen frames, to make seven images, and they were most often used either to document places or events, much like postcards, or to tell stories.

While this isn't quite our usual fare, we acquired this as part of a larger collection, and just had to share it! We've sorted the reels into five themed lots, as well as a sixth lot of reel lists and order forms, for the really serious collectors out there. If you're interested in buying just one specific reel or set, or would like a more detailed list of the reels in a given lot, feel free to reach out and we'll see what we can do for ya!

Condition varies by lot. Some reels are stained or lightly damaged, and a few have major film discoloration, likely from exposure to sunlight, but they are largely in decent shape. See below for more details by lot. Please note, none of these come with the View-Master toy itself.

Lot A: Travel
This lot focuses on landscapes, monuments, and cultural information, captured in gorgeous full-color photographs. There are 4 loose reels, 20 sleeved reels, and 3 sets of three sleeved reels each, one of which (Sweden) still has its reel packet. A cursory check through the reels didn't show any major film discoloration, though some seem like they may be mildly discolored by time.

Lot B: Disney
This lot is 19 loose reels of pure Disney fun! Most of these are animation frames, from Steamboat Willie to Finding Nemo, though there are also two reels of Disney on Parade. Two reels - one each from The Lady and the Tramp and Pinocchio - have significant discoloration and some scratches on the film, and My Disney ABC's is missing one frame. Several of the other reels also have significant water staining on the cardstock, but much of the film is actually in remarkably good shape, retaining its original vibrant colors!

Lot C: Other Media
This lot contains 8 loose reels and 1 set of three sleeved reels, though the set is missing its reel packet. From Benji Superstar to Tom and Jerry, Batman to The Flintstones, this lot is fun for the whole family! Two of the Flintstones reels have significant film discoloration, and all four display a lot of staining on the cardstock. Additionally, the two Benji Superstar reels appear to have been bent in the past, though they should still fit into a View-Master just fine. The other reels seem to be in fine condition.

Lot D: Fairytales & Folk Stories
Three sleeved reels, two with their reel packets, and two sets, all of classic tales and stories! The sleeved reels are all Christmas-themed, and one appears to be the first reel of a set. The Snow White set has its reel packet, but unfortunately is missing the second reel. All reels in this lot are in great shape, though!

Lot E: Miscellaneous Reels
Three full sets, plus a sleeved sample reel! A Day at the Circus is missing its reel packet, and one of the reels has split and the front will need to be glued back on. All the film on these reels seems to be in good shape, though, and really, who doesn't want to watch the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on View-Master?

Lot F: No Reels, Just Papers
As with all vintage things, we know some of you out there want the paperwork as bad as the reels themselves, so here you go! One loose reel packet, a reel list and a packet list, and three blank order forms - all with that delightful vintage paper smell! There's some very minor staining on one of the order forms, and one appears to have been folded inside-out at some point. Otherwise, though, these are all in pretty good shape!

SKU: C-002-26
LOC: C1