Camera Lucida in Original Mahogany Case. France, 1880-90. Complete

This beautiful antique instrument is a camera lucida, a device for artistic use. It is a piece made at the late 19th century between 1880 and 1890. The camera comes in its original wooden piece and preserves all its accessories. The set is in magnificent condition and is still in working order. The case is made of solid mahogany wood it is a gorgeous box that preserves its transparent finish. Inside it is covered with green felt, also very well preserved. This curious article whose name camera lucida means light room in Latin was invented by William Hyde Wollaston in 1806. It is an instrument designed to draw objects accurately; in order to operate it, the user must fix it to a table or drawing base. The, he or she will have to mount the chosen lens in the visor and focus it on the object to be reproduced. The camera lucida will project its image on the paper or canvas so the artist will be able to reproduce it with the right perspective. The item that we can see in these images can be dismantled in order to store in its wooden case. The brass screw designed to fix the camera lucida to the table bears an engraved inscription in capital letters: P.B. CHAMBRE CLAIRE UNIVERSEILLE MODELE DEPOSE. On the other side, the lens set that comes with the article is stored in a wooden stand with a bone-colored plate that bears the printed magnification number of each lens. It is complete and all the pieces are original from the time, being all in good condition. Because of its charm and functionality, this camera lucida is a real treasure for a good artist or a collector of technical antiques. Measurements (Case): Width: 11.4 in / 29 cm. Height: 6.4 in / 16.5 cm.