We take plastics for granted in the 21st century. But, at one time, it was a never-before-seen futuristic material. If you look up the history of plastic, many sources state that modern plastic was a 20th century invention. However, its very first appearance to the public was as a mouldable resin at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, USA, as shown in this right-eye view of a 19th century stereograph. Note how it lists the display as "Plastic Figurines".
1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, USA. The first official World's Fair in the United States. 37 countries were represented, and nearly 10 million people visited from around thw world. This photo is of the full, 3-D stereoview featuring one of the religious displays. It was promoting a new mouldable resin that would become today's plastic.
The Centennial Photographic Company was the exclusive 3D photographers for the Exhibition, issuing more than 4,000 stereo view cards.
