View-Master reels are still fairly easy to get and don't take up a lot of room so they are great for collecting.
The View-Master is a device for viewing seven 3-D images (also known as stereo images) on a paper disk. Although it is now considered a children's toy, it was not originally marketed as such. Among the new View-Master products are a "Discovery Channel View-Master," the new "Virtual Viewer," the "Discovery Channel View-Master Projector and Telescope," and "View-Master 3-D Pocket Viewer," which feature images of popular performers in concert and backstage.
The View-Master system was invented by William Gruber, an organ maker and avid photographer who lived in Portland, Oregon. He had the idea of updating the old-fashioned stereoscope by using the new Kodachrome color film that had recently become available. While a View-Master reel holds 14 film slides, there are really only seven stereoscopic images; two film slides are viewed simultaneously - one for each eye - thus simulating binocular depth perception.
When on vacation with his wife in 1938, Gruber literally almost ran into Harold Graves, the president of Sawyer's, Inc.(a company that specialized in picture postcards), and the two men struck up a conversation about Mr. Gruber's invention that lasted well into the night. Shortly thereafter, Gruber and Graves formed a partnership in 1939 which lead to the retail sales of View-Master viewers and reels. Within a very short time, the View-Master quickly took over the postcard business at Sawyer's.
The View-Master was originally constructed from Kodak Tenite plastic and then bakelite, but the material of choice since 1959 has been a thermoplastic.
When on vacation with his wife in 1938, Gruber literally almost ran into Harold Graves, the president of Sawyer's, Inc.(a company that specialized in picture postcards), and the two men struck up a conversation about Mr. Gruber's invention that lasted well into the night. Shortly thereafter, Gruber and Graves formed a partnership in 1939 which lead to the retail sales of View-Master viewers and reels. Within a very short time, the View-Master quickly took over the postcard business at Sawyer's.
The View-Master was originally constructed from Kodak Tenite plastic and then bakelite, but the material of choice since 1959 has been a thermoplastic.
New Table of Contents
- Collecting View-Master
- I Did It Again!
- View-Master On eBay
- Glossary Of Collecting Terms!
- View-Master Books
- A Little View-Master History
- Identifying Reels
- Viewers! Discriptions and pictures!
- Buying and Trading!
- View-Masters On YouTube
- List Of View-Master Reels
- View-Master On Amazon
- View-Master Links
- View-Master Feedback
- Personal Favorite Links
- A little about this site.
Collecting View-Master
Collecting View-Master reels and machines is like collecting anything. You want complete sets and machines that are in good condition and working properly!
I hate to discourage anyone who might have a large box of View-Master reels that was left to them or who has spent a small fortune in collecting, but sets made after 1955 that do not have three reels, their sleeves, booklets and covers are generally a waste of money unless they are extremely rare.
View-Master reels before 1955 were produced as single reels but they should still have their sleeves and be free from defects such as bubbles, missing slides or excessive wear. It should be noted however, that single reels were produced through 1957 even though they were already changing to the three-packs.
I have been to so many flea markets or garage sales where someone has a few reels that are priced as if they were in mint condition. They see these listed in a price list and automatically think that theirs is worth the prices listed. This is not the case in most instances!
These prices are usually for complete sets with the proper books and covers and in mint condition. Reels by themselves are practically worthless except as fillers.
Don't get me wrong! If I can pick up a box of loose reels for a couple of bucks, I'll grab them.
Why would I do this if they are worthless? Because as a collector, I would love to have a copy of every View-Master reel that has ever been issued. But I won't pay much at all for a loose reel even if I don't already have it because I know that as soon as I find the same reel as a complete set (reel, sleeve, book and cover), I will be pitching the reel.
Buy what you like, but if you have paid a lot for a single reel you will probably never be able to recover your money. If your happy with it, that's what counts.
Wanted View-Master Reels, Viewers & Misc.
I'm looking for View-Master reels, viewers and anything else view-master for my collection. If you have any that you'll sell or trade for a decent price please contact me. I ...Online classified
I hate to discourage anyone who might have a large box of View-Master reels that was left to them or who has spent a small fortune in collecting, but sets made after 1955 that do not have three reels, their sleeves, booklets and covers are generally a waste of money unless they are extremely rare.
View-Master reels before 1955 were produced as single reels but they should still have their sleeves and be free from defects such as bubbles, missing slides or excessive wear. It should be noted however, that single reels were produced through 1957 even though they were already changing to the three-packs.
I have been to so many flea markets or garage sales where someone has a few reels that are priced as if they were in mint condition. They see these listed in a price list and automatically think that theirs is worth the prices listed. This is not the case in most instances!
These prices are usually for complete sets with the proper books and covers and in mint condition. Reels by themselves are practically worthless except as fillers.
Don't get me wrong! If I can pick up a box of loose reels for a couple of bucks, I'll grab them.
Why would I do this if they are worthless? Because as a collector, I would love to have a copy of every View-Master reel that has ever been issued. But I won't pay much at all for a loose reel even if I don't already have it because I know that as soon as I find the same reel as a complete set (reel, sleeve, book and cover), I will be pitching the reel.
Buy what you like, but if you have paid a lot for a single reel you will probably never be able to recover your money. If your happy with it, that's what counts.
Wanted View-Master Reels, Viewers & Misc.
I'm looking for View-Master reels, viewers and anything else view-master for my collection. If you have any that you'll sell or trade for a decent price please contact me. I ...Online classified
I Did It Again!
I'm forever warning people not to buy on eBay unless there is a shipping cost listed, then I turn around and do it myself.
I saw a reel on eBay, not a great one but one that I didn't have, and emailed the seller to see what was being charged for postage. The reel didn't have a sleeve or anything with it and was listed for a 99 cents starting bid. That's about all it was worth for a filler, but seeing as there was no shipping cost listed I figured if I could get it for $2 or $3 bucks total, why not.
The seller emailed me back and said that he only charged actual postage costs. I figured that this was fine since I mail single reels for a buck or less all the time.
Like I said, I should know better! Nobody else bid so I got the reel for .99 cents but the invoice said $5 1st class mail. Guess it's my own fault for not listening to my own advice.
I've seen single reels that have postage costs listed as high as $9, and multiple reels with shipping listed as high as $29. I'm sure this is just a way for sellers to get out of higher listing fees and if you don't mind the cost, go ahead and buy; just be aware before you bid because once you bid, you are committed.
If you wonder if collecting View-Master reels is worth doing, check out my Recent View-Master Prices Site!
I saw a reel on eBay, not a great one but one that I didn't have, and emailed the seller to see what was being charged for postage. The reel didn't have a sleeve or anything with it and was listed for a 99 cents starting bid. That's about all it was worth for a filler, but seeing as there was no shipping cost listed I figured if I could get it for $2 or $3 bucks total, why not.
The seller emailed me back and said that he only charged actual postage costs. I figured that this was fine since I mail single reels for a buck or less all the time.
Like I said, I should know better! Nobody else bid so I got the reel for .99 cents but the invoice said $5 1st class mail. Guess it's my own fault for not listening to my own advice.
I've seen single reels that have postage costs listed as high as $9, and multiple reels with shipping listed as high as $29. I'm sure this is just a way for sellers to get out of higher listing fees and if you don't mind the cost, go ahead and buy; just be aware before you bid because once you bid, you are committed.
If you wonder if collecting View-Master reels is worth doing, check out my Recent View-Master Prices Site!
View-Master On eBay
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Glossary Of Collecting Terms!
by Roger T. Nazeley
Condition - (John Achziger developed this grading system)
Reels:
Mint (sealed) - Still sealed or wrapped.
Excellent - Looks untouched.
Fine+ - Looks almost new.
Fine - Has some wear, usually a light ring around the reel, minor writing, or a small ding.
Very Good - Has prominent wear ring or other relatively minor fault.
Good - Very heavy wear ring.
Fair - Looks awful, but still viewable.
Poor - Damaged or splitting.
Packets:
Mint (sealed) - Still sealed S1 through early S6 without shrink-wrap otherwise with shrink-wrap.
Excellent - Looks brand new.
Fine+ - Looks almost new, may have slightly rolled edges from tight shrink-wrap.
Fine - Has some wear, especially around edges.
Very Good - Has quite a bit of wear, usually some wrinkling or minor tears.
Good - Much wear and wrinkling.
Fair - Not very desirable, major damage.
Poor - Extremely damaged.
I buy many View-Master reels on eBay and I would sure appreciate it if everyone went by this grading system. There are a lot of reels sold that are said to be in excellent condition, but would only grade as very good or less.
Click this link GLOSSARY OF COLLECTING TERMS
for the complete list!
Reels:
Mint (sealed) - Still sealed or wrapped.
Excellent - Looks untouched.
Fine+ - Looks almost new.
Fine - Has some wear, usually a light ring around the reel, minor writing, or a small ding.
Very Good - Has prominent wear ring or other relatively minor fault.
Good - Very heavy wear ring.
Fair - Looks awful, but still viewable.
Poor - Damaged or splitting.
Packets:
Mint (sealed) - Still sealed S1 through early S6 without shrink-wrap otherwise with shrink-wrap.
Excellent - Looks brand new.
Fine+ - Looks almost new, may have slightly rolled edges from tight shrink-wrap.
Fine - Has some wear, especially around edges.
Very Good - Has quite a bit of wear, usually some wrinkling or minor tears.
Good - Much wear and wrinkling.
Fair - Not very desirable, major damage.
Poor - Extremely damaged.
I buy many View-Master reels on eBay and I would sure appreciate it if everyone went by this grading system. There are a lot of reels sold that are said to be in excellent condition, but would only grade as very good or less.
Click this link GLOSSARY OF COLLECTING TERMS
for the complete list!
View-Master Books
Stereo Views: An Illustrated History & Price Guide
Amazon Price: (as of 12/16/2009) 
Collectable Stereo Viewers Guide - Including View-Master Reel and Viewer Value Guide
Amazon Price: (as of 12/16/2009)
Historic Charleston: Stereographs from the Civil War Era (one View-Master reel)
Amazon Price: $15.00 (as of 12/16/2009)
Collectible View-Master: An Illustrated Reference and Value Guide
Amazon Price: (as of 12/16/2009)
Frank Lloyd Wright: 3 Houses (3 View-Master reels)
Amazon Price: $35.00 (as of 12/16/2009)
A Little View-Master History
In 1951 Sawyer's purchased Tru-Vue, the main competitor of View-Master. In addition to eliminating their main rival, the takeover also gave Sawyer's Tru-Vue's licensing rights to Walt Disney Studios. Sawyer's capitalized on the opportunity and produced numerous reels featuring Disney characters and the newly opened Disneyland.
In 1952 Sawyer's began its View-Master Personal line, which included a 35mm camera for its users to make their own View-Master reels. Although at first highly successful, within ten years the line would be discontinued. Despite an untimely death, many of these ruggedly well-made cameras are still being used today. This line also spawned the Model 'D' viewer (available until the early seventies it was View-Master's highest quality viewer) and View-Master's only 3D projector.
The View-Master had originally been constructed from Kodak Tenite plastic and then bakelite, a hard, sturdy, somewhat heavy plastic. Beginning in 1959, the material of choice became the much lighter-weight thermoplastic.
In 1966 Sawyer's was acquired by the General Aniline & Film (GAF) Corporation, and became a wholly owned subsidiary. Under GAF's ownership View-Master reels started to feature fewer scenic and more child-friendly subjects, such as toys and cartoons. Several now-classic TV series were also featured on View-Master reels, such as Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, Star Trek, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Here's Lucy, and The Beverly Hillbillies. Actor Henry Fonda appeared in a series of TV commercials for the GAF View-Master.
In 1976, a red and white View-Master with a blue handle was released to commemorate the United States Bicentennial.
GAF sold View-Master to a group headed by Arnold Thaler in 1981 for $24 million. Six years later, a thriving View-Master International purchased Ideal Toy Company and became known as View-Master Ideal (VMI).
In the mid-1980s, the toy eventually had a home video label, notable for producing Kidsongs.
In August of 1989, the View-Master product line was sold for the third time to Tyco Toys, Inc. of Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, upon its purchase of View-Master Ideal. The View-Master line remained part of Tyco until Tyco's merger with Mattel, Inc. in 1997.
Shortly after the merger with Mattel, Inc., the View-Master category shifted to Fisher-Price in East Aurora, New York.
View-Master is now part of the National Toy Hall of Fame of the USA.
What is Tru-Vue? Find out here!
In 1952 Sawyer's began its View-Master Personal line, which included a 35mm camera for its users to make their own View-Master reels. Although at first highly successful, within ten years the line would be discontinued. Despite an untimely death, many of these ruggedly well-made cameras are still being used today. This line also spawned the Model 'D' viewer (available until the early seventies it was View-Master's highest quality viewer) and View-Master's only 3D projector.
The View-Master had originally been constructed from Kodak Tenite plastic and then bakelite, a hard, sturdy, somewhat heavy plastic. Beginning in 1959, the material of choice became the much lighter-weight thermoplastic.
In 1966 Sawyer's was acquired by the General Aniline & Film (GAF) Corporation, and became a wholly owned subsidiary. Under GAF's ownership View-Master reels started to feature fewer scenic and more child-friendly subjects, such as toys and cartoons. Several now-classic TV series were also featured on View-Master reels, such as Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, Star Trek, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Here's Lucy, and The Beverly Hillbillies. Actor Henry Fonda appeared in a series of TV commercials for the GAF View-Master.
In 1976, a red and white View-Master with a blue handle was released to commemorate the United States Bicentennial.
GAF sold View-Master to a group headed by Arnold Thaler in 1981 for $24 million. Six years later, a thriving View-Master International purchased Ideal Toy Company and became known as View-Master Ideal (VMI).
In the mid-1980s, the toy eventually had a home video label, notable for producing Kidsongs.
In August of 1989, the View-Master product line was sold for the third time to Tyco Toys, Inc. of Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, upon its purchase of View-Master Ideal. The View-Master line remained part of Tyco until Tyco's merger with Mattel, Inc. in 1997.
Shortly after the merger with Mattel, Inc., the View-Master category shifted to Fisher-Price in East Aurora, New York.
View-Master is now part of the National Toy Hall of Fame of the USA.
What is Tru-Vue? Find out here!
Identifying Reels
Viewers! Discriptions and pictures!
If you've ever wanted the model discription of a view-master, you'll like this section. Just click on the model that you're looking for to go to a page with discriptions and pictures.
Model 12
Model A
Model B
Model C
Model D
Model E
Model F
Model G
Model H
Model J
Model K
Model L
Model M
Model N
Branded
Face Viewers
GAF Compact (folding)
Compact Viewer
Post 2000
Talking
View-Master Filters
Personal Camera
MKII Camera
Film Cutter
Personal Camera Flash
View-Master Projectors
Thanks to View-Master.co.uk for these discriptions and pictures!
Model 12
Model A
Model B
Model C
Model D
Model E
Model F
Model G
Model H
Model J
Model K
Model L
Model M
Model N
Branded
Face Viewers
GAF Compact (folding)
Compact Viewer
Post 2000
Talking
View-Master Filters
Personal Camera
MKII Camera
Film Cutter
Personal Camera Flash
View-Master Projectors
Thanks to View-Master.co.uk for these discriptions and pictures!
Buying and Trading!
I'm always looking for View-Master reels so if you have any to sell, or you might be interested in trading for something that you collect please let me know by clicking on the "contact" link above.
Like I stated above, don't expect "book price" as those prices are estimates for reels in "new" mint condition and I'm looking to fill blank spots in my collection or get trading material.
I have lots of basketball and baseball cards to trade, lots of McDonald toys and items, Bill Elliott NASCAR diecast, etc.
Also have some Murcury dimes (silver).
Let me know what you have and what you're looking for!
Like I stated above, don't expect "book price" as those prices are estimates for reels in "new" mint condition and I'm looking to fill blank spots in my collection or get trading material.
I have lots of basketball and baseball cards to trade, lots of McDonald toys and items, Bill Elliott NASCAR diecast, etc.
Also have some Murcury dimes (silver).
Let me know what you have and what you're looking for!
List Of View-Master Reels
More than one billion View-Master reels have been issued since stereophotographic format was invented and first commercially released in 1939.
We don't have room for the list here but you can view it at The View-Master Ultimate Reel List
The View-Master Ultimate Reel List is maintained by and © Keith Baird.
"View-Master" is ®Fisher-Price Incorporated, a subsidiary of Mattel Incorporated.
Looking for a reel number? Find A Reel Number
We don't have room for the list here but you can view it at The View-Master Ultimate Reel List
The View-Master Ultimate Reel List is maintained by and © Keith Baird.
"View-Master" is ®Fisher-Price Incorporated, a subsidiary of Mattel Incorporated.
Looking for a reel number? Find A Reel Number
View-Master On Amazon
THOMAS & FRIENDS - ViewMaster 3 Reel Set
Three View-Master reels tell three favorite Thomas more...0 points
View-Master 3D 3-Reel Card Wild Animals of the World Set #1
View-Master Scenic 3-Reel Card includes 3 reels wi more...0 points
Disney movie CARS - ViewMaster 3 Reel Set
After taking moviegoers magically into the realm o more...0 points
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - ViewMaster 3 Reel Set
MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE, a new addition to the Disn more...0 points
View-Master Links
View-master Ultimate List Reverse Index Numbered packets 3d Viewmaster
This alpha list is composed from many sources arou more...2 points
3D Viewmaster Items Online For Sale - free scans - booklets and reels
Buy View-Master directly from a crazy Collector. V more...2 points
20th Century Stereo Viewers - www.viewmaster.co.uk
View-Master and 3D Viewing1 point
Viewmaster Webring of the Spinning Reel An Honest webring for Viewmaster Sites
View-master Url Webring1 point
View-Master Official Site From Fisher-Price - View-Master Reels Viewers Gift Sets
Official View-Master Site at Fisher-Price0 points
The View-Master Resource
This site is intended to be a repository of View-M more...0 points
The View-Master Ultimate Reel List
In addition to the reel/packet List, there are two more...0 points
View-Master at Fisher-Price®
Buy view-master directly from Fisher-Price!0 points
Welcome to the Fisher-Price® Shop Online Catalog
I'd love to sell you View-Master reels through my more...0 points
View-Master Feedback
submit
-
Reply
- Teddi14 Teddi14 Jan 1, 2009 @ 2:22 pm
- Outstanding lens. You definitely know you stuff!!!! My son is 6 and loves his view -master. He got some Peter Pan reels for Christmas. The pics. are great. Thanks for all the great information here. 5*'s for sure.
-
Reply
- JerryB JerryB May 4, 2008 @ 6:12 am
- For the person asking about Reels on Human Anatomy, Check this out: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=230249516263&ssPageName=STRK:MEBI:IT&ih=013
Personal Favorite Links
Viewmaster Booklets Online - 3d Vintage Storybooks for Reels Free Scans
Scans of View-master Booklets Free Online2 points
Blue Ring Reels: ViewMaster
The second generation reels commonly called " more...1 point
Hand Lettered Reels: ViewMaster
The fourth generation reels commonly called " more...1 point
Gold Center Reels: ViewMaster
The first reels produced by View-Master were made more...0 points
Vintage: ViewMaster
viewmaster,View-Master,3-D Photography,3D photogra more...0 points
ViewMaster - SPECIAL reels
viewmaster,View-Master,3-D Photography,3D photogra more...0 points
Buff Reels: ViewMaster
The 3rd Generation reels are known by collectors b more...0 points
Commercial Reels/Viewers: ViewMaster
From the first days at View-Master, businesses and more...0 points
Test Reels: ViewMaster
Both Test Reels and Model Reels are considered spe more...0 points
VIEWERS: ViewMaster
Regular Viewers, Commercial Viewers,<br />&l more...0 points
Projector Vintage View-Master
S1, Sawyer's Junior, Sawyer's Standard, Sawyer's D more...0 points
Color Faded Reels: ViewMaster
Toward the end of the 1970s, and up to View-Master more...0 points
A little about this site.
If you've made it this far, I'd appreciate it if you would check out Dene's Place to see if there's anything that you might like for yourself or as a gift. It helps me pay the bills!
Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to check out my other lenses when you have time.
Much of the information used here has been researched from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.
Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to check out my other lenses when you have time.
Much of the information used here has been researched from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.
by JerryB
I enjoy collecting! It doesn't really seem to matter what it is, if it's old I'll hang on to it. So, most of my lenses are about collecting.
I also...
(more)Explore related pages
A Quick Guide to Antique Stereoviews- Stereoviews were a common form of entertainment and information from the 1850s t...
3D Technology- 3D Technology has been round a long time, since 1890, when British film pioneer...
3-D- Stereoscopic imaging or 3-D (three-dimensional) imaging is any technique capable...
