RARE Set of 6 Antique Kilburn Brothers Stereo Photo Cards – Winter Scenes – 1875–1886

This is a fine collection of six original 19th-century stereoview photographs published by the renowned Kilburn Brothers of Littleton, New Hampshire, each featuring winter scenes and humorous vignettes from the 1870s. All cards have the distinctive orange mounts with printed titles and copyright details, dating from 1875, 1883, 1885, and 1886.

Titles & Details:

1. 3840 – The Ice Palace, Great Winter Carnival, Montreal (Copyright 1885, B.W. Kilburn)

– Magnificent view of the elaborate ice palace constructed for Montreal’s famous winter festival.

2. 4091 – Trials of Life,—The Failure (Copyright 1886, B.W. Kilburn)

– Humorous scene depicting a winter misadventure in the snow.

3. 3000 – The Race (Copyright 1882, B.W. Kilburn)

– Two women on snowshoes observe a fallen male competitor in this staged comedic image.

4. 1945 – “This is the house that Jack built.” (Copyright 1875, Kilburn Brothers)

– Dramatic icy grotto scene with towering icicles, evoking the popular nursery rhyme.

5. 3362 – Babes in the Woods (Copyright 1883, B.W. Kilburn)

– A tender yet staged winter woodland scene inspired by the classic folk tale.

6. 3869 – Wonderland, Prospect Park, Niagara (Copyright 1885, B.W. Kilburn)

– Beautiful view of Prospect Park at Niagara Falls, covered in deep snow and ice.

Publisher: Kilburn Brothers, Littleton, N.H. (printed on reverse)

Condition: Overall good antique condition for their age (approx. 140 years old) with some light fading, toning, and edge wear. Images retain good contrast considering the period. The orange mounts are intact with legible titles and copyright details.

Size: Approx. 7” x 3.5” each.

A wonderful opportunity to acquire a cohesive group of winter-themed stereoviews by one of America’s most prolific and respected 19th-century stereophotographers. These cards are not only collectible for their artistry and historical interest but also for their humorous and theatrical staged scenes that were popular in the Victorian stereoscope era.