– View-master sets –
View-Master reels were originally sold as 'singles' in a uniform, one-color envelope. These were sometimes supplemented by a small story-folder which elaborated on the narrative implied by the seven images and the brief captions printed directly on the reel. Beginning in 1950, View-Master reels began to be packaged in three-reel sets, including a more elaborate picture envelope and a 16 page booklet. Aside from minor changes in the outside design, View-Master remained in the same packaging until 1982, when the dreaded 'blister-pack' and 'gift-pack' were introduced.
As well as the aforementioned there were a few short-lived variations to the line. The large 8x8" story-folder was available in Europe from approximately 1970 to 1978, and the 'Talking View-Master' was introduced in the early 1970's. Not only was the bulky 'talking' viewer difficult for children to manage, but the reels were next to impossible to insert and the sound was less than inspiring. Even with these problems, the range of 'Talking View-Master' reels and viewers were produced until 1981.
