Fantastic Antique Saccharimeter in Very Good Condition. Germany, Circa 1910

This fine device, quite ancient and in great condition, is a saccharimeter made in Germany in the early 20th century (circa 1910). It is a scientific surveying instrument that has survived to our days very well preserved and with all its original component parts and pieces. The instrument is designed to measure the concentration of sugar in liquid solutions, using the angle of rotation caused by passing polarized light through an optically active substance, contained in the central glass tube. The angle is reflected by the circular scale mounted on the eyepiece. The saccharimeter that we can see in these images stands on a stylized lacquered tripod. The instrument bears the manufacturers name printed on a brass plate screwed to the black-lacquered body: Franz Schmidt & Haensch, accompanied by the description of the business and the Berliner address. The firm started its trajectory when the mechanic Franz Schmidt and the optician Herrmann Haensch created a joint enterprise to produce scientific surveying instruments. An inheritance let them get the initial capital for the company, which was founded in April 1864. Currently the family business is still active after 140 years, managed by the fifth generation. As stated before, the instrument is composed of several pieces: a mantel tripod made of lacquered iron and the saccharimeter itself. This preserves the central glass tube designed to contain the chemical compounds to be observed. To manipulate the instrument the user must put a light source in front of the longest brass cylinder, while watching the rotation of the light while turning the analyzer (circular scale). By turning this element he or she will look for the maximum brightness: the analyzer will reflect the angle of rotation. This magnificent antique saccharimeter is a real museum piece, full of charm and with a great decorative potential. Measurements: Length: 18.1 in / 46 cm. Height: 15.3 in /39 cm.