Description
Early Birdseye Stereograph of Honolulu
An unsigned early stereview photograph of Honolulu, being a birdseye view taken from the top of Punchbowl. At the time of the present view ‘Iolani Palace (1882) and Ali‘iolani Hale (1872-1874) were still not built.
Several photographers were actively making Honolulu stereoviews in the late 1860s and early 1870s, including Charles H. Burgess and Henry L. Chase, both possible candidates for the present image.
Comparing the present stereoview to other views from roughly the same perspective, including those by Hugo Stangenwald and Brother Bertram, it would seem the present view dates from the early 1870s.
Rarity
Such early Honolulu stereoviews, dating from the early 1870s, are rare in the market.
Condition Description
Original stereograph photograph, on card mount (mount buff color on recto, orange on verso). Minor corner wear to the mount. Image a bit age-toned, with some surface abrasion (especially on right-hand view). Otherwise condition is quite good. Manuscript caption in lower mount, under the photographic image: "Honolulu from Punchbowl."