PANORAMA DER BERLINER GEWERBA AUSTELLUNG Berlin Industrial Fair 1896 Peepshow
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PANORAMA DER BERLINER GEWERBA AUSTELLUNG Berlin Industrial Fair 1896
Fine in original VG slipcase
Verlag von (publisher) Oscar Michaelis, (1896) - printed by S. Schollaender, Breslau
Panorama der Berliner Gewerbe-Ausstellung" is a souvenir peepshow featuring a panoramic view of the Great Industrial Exposition of Berlin, which was held in 1896. The peepshow is designed to be viewed through a series of die-cut windows, which reveal different parts of the panorama as the viewer peeks into the peepshow.
Condition - VG protected by its case the peepshow is in fine condition . The last bellow section has a small expertly repaired tear. Otherwise, all parts, the bellows, the delicate "stained glass" window, and tiny die-cut pieces are in excellent all original condition.
The slipcase is VG, with some paper loss just on the edges - but it appears that the edges could have been expertly reinforced. see photos
The peepshow itself, consisting of 6 sections, measures 6 1/8 x 4¾ in. and extends to a depth of 16'' when the bellows are fully extended.The slipcase is 6 1/4 " by 4 3/4 " (15.5 x 12.3 x 0.7 cm.)
Collector's Corner:
About this peepshow:
Souvenir of the great Berlin Trade Exhibition on the site of today's Treptower Park. This exceptional peepshow captures the essence of the Great Industrial Exposition of Berlin, also known as the "impeded world fair," which combined cutting-edge technological exhibits with the excitement of an amusement park. When expanded, the six-color lithographed scenes transport viewers into the grand main hall of the Exhibition, replete with enticing vendors offering delightful treats like chocolate, coffee, meats, and fashionable clothing. The panels progressively unveil remarkable technological marvels, showcasing both gas and electric advancements. The first panel is about food, the second glass and porcelain, and the third to fashion. The final scene, devoted to furniture, boasts a captivating central carved "stained glass" medallion design that allows light through to "light up the scene"; it remains visible even when the peepshow is closed.
These peepshows served as both souvenirs and informative pieces, allowing visitors to relive the experience of the exposition. They were sometimes produced by publisher Oscar Michaelis and were often housed in slipcases with lithographed titles. The peepshow's accordion-fold design allowed for an unfolding panoramic view, enhancing the immersive experience.
About the Exhibition: In a letter dated July 20, 1892, Wilhelm II wrote to his Chancellor, Leo von Caprivi, expressing his opposition to the proposal of a world fair in Berlin. He stated:"On every occasion thereon that the topic was brought up he came to be used to say 'Ausstellung isnich' ('Exposition isn't happening'), taking up a wording from the Berlin dialect."
Despite the emperor's opposition, the "Association of Berlin Merchants and Industrialists" (VBKI) proceeded with organizing the "Industrial Exposition of Berlin 1896." This event was held to showcase Germany's industrial achievements and was not officially recognized as a world fair. Although it was not officially designated as a "World's Fair," the magnitude of this event surpassed its predecessors in every aspect. With over one million square yards of exhibition space, nearly 4,000 participants, and an impressive seven million visitors, it exceeded the scale of previous fairs.
Encased in its original pictorial slipcase, which features a map of the grounds on the rear panel, this peepshow is a remarkable artifact of this extraordinary event.
On the reverse of the slipcase, you'll find a detailed bird's-eye view of the exhibition grounds, showcasing the layout of the main buildings and the surrounding Spree River. Accompanying the illustration is the ‘Situation Plan,’ highlighting key areas of the fair, including the immersive recreations of ‘Old Berlin’ and ‘Cairo.’
Christie's sold another copy of this peepshow in 2005 for $2,400
References:
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Great Industrial Exposition of Berlin. Wikipedia. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Industrial_Exposition_of_Berlin
Christie's. (n.d.). Panorama der Berliner Gewerbe-Ausstellung. Christie's. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4575380?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Hyde, R. (2015). Paper Peepshows: The Jacqueline & Jonathan Gestetner Collection. Antique Collectors' Club.
Product Code: P-14C
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