Antique French Microscope [Probably Nachet – see Billings Collection] - c1860

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Antique French Microscope [Probably Nachet – see Billings Collection] – c1860

Short Description

A nice mid 19thC microscope with original box. Likely by the French maker Nachet of Paris. Everything including the original lacquer in very good condition. Functioning well.

Similar if not identical to the Billings Collection Fig 125, page 67. Billings states makers unknown but suggests Nachet or Hartnack both of Paris and circa 1860’s. Also, see online “History of the Microscope” which shows three examples of which this is the larger of the three – they reference English maker J.H. steward as making something similar but recognise a French maker re this specific style.

The microscope arises from a painted green and gold-toned weighted foot via a ball and socket joint to the bottom of the pillar. A small knob on the foot adjusts the tension on the ball and socket joint to allow the user to lock the position of inclination. The single sided gimbaled mirror is attached to the pillar via a pin. Focusing of the main tube is by a knurled knob acting on the rack and pinion. On the tube a ring carries a two-jointed arm with a bullseye condenser. The objective “French” double button type; compounding. Beneath the stage is a revolving disc of diaphragms, above the stage a casing with a lyre-shaped stage clip. Stands circa eleven inches closed. The original box retains its original sections, has some cracks and age about it but authentic and has kept the microscope in very good condition.

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Camille Sebastien Nachet was a Parisian optician at the beginning of the 19th Century. He began producing lenses for the famous microscope manufacturer Chevalier but later set up his own small business at 16 Rue Serpente, Paris. He produced his first instruments based on the drum- type base models made previously by other manufacturers. He was succeeded by his son Jean Alfred 1831-1908. Nachet is included with Chevalier and Oberhauser as the three leading makers in Paris at this time.

Unusual French microscope over 150 years old

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