Antique stereoview of a long vaulted gallery lined with columns and tall glass display cases, with a single figure seated beside one of the cases. Identified in period pencil on the back as South Hall, Patent Office. Grey flat mount, about 7.2 x 3.6 in. The mount is soiled and toned, with small corner losses at the upper and lower left.

The view looks down the full length of the hall under groined ceiling vaults, with stools and floor mats set along the aisle. There is no printed title or publisher; the back also carries an old pencil number 119.

The U.S. Patent Office in Washington, D.C. displayed thousands of patent models in glass cases in its great halls, a popular stop for visitors in the 19th century. A good piece for collectors of stereoviews, Washington history, architecture and the history of invention.