Sa'oudi, Muhammad 'Ali Effendi.

34 stereoviews on glass by Sa'oudi, of varying sizes: 6 small (44 x 106mm.), 14 medium (59 x 129mm.), 5 large (83 x 169mm.) and 9 oversize (88 x 179mm.), preserved in 5 boxes, together with a modern album (206 x 290mm.), containing a complete set of prints of the views, one oversize glass slide with broken corner (partly affecting image), some overall surface wear
3 Antique stereoscopes, for viewing the stereoviews in 3-D, comprising: stereoscope by Vérascope Richard of Paris (early 1900s) with adjustable focus, for small slides, stereoscope (early 1900s) for medium slides, and stereoscope (late nineteenth century), with walnut veneer (slight damage) for large slides
41 original Photographs, by or belonging to Sa'oudi, of various sizes (average 90 x 125mm., or the reverse), each laid on thick modern card and window mounted, preserved in two folding black cloth boxes

Collection of 3-D views and photographs of Makkah and Madinah, 1904-1908
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

These very rare stereoviews are the first 3-D photographic views of Makkah and Madinah that we can trace. The stereoscopic camera that Sa'oudi used took a pair of near identical images, which when transferred onto a glass slide and viewed through a stereoscope appear to the viewer as a single three dimensional image. Sa'oudi (1865-1955) is first mentioned as a photographer in Rif'at Pasha's book Mir'at Al Haramayn (Cairo, 1925), which reproduces a large number of his photographs, together with those of the author (for a copy of this book see lot 172). The stereoviews and photographs in this group include previously unseen images of Makkah and Madinah and officials including various dignitaries. A list of the stereoviews and photographs is available upon request.