Antique Compound Microscope, 1900

Awesome antique compound microscope made of brass and cast iron, with a complete accessory set and in its original wooden case. The microscope is dated in 1900 and has survived to our days in very good condition and optimal working order. It was very probably made by Nachet, a famous optic material manufacturing company which operated in Paris during the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. The microscope boasts an elegant and stylized design; the brass component parts preserve the original transparent protecting lacquer that provides the metal with a very special finish and creates an unmistakable patina. This beautiful and antique instrument comes in its original solid mahogany wooden case, with a fine light golden color and in very good condition too. Inside the case or box we find another wooden case, smaller in size, containing a complete accessory set that includes two lenses (in their respective brass sleeves) and a cardboard box with glass plates ready to prepare samples. The case mounts delicate brass shutting hooks and hinges. The microscopes storing box shows lovely and strong dovetail joints in the corners, a clear sign of its artisanal quality. Its sober and fine design and quality materials turn this amazing antique compound microscope into an exclusive piece worthy of inclusion in a good museum or a complete collection. Measurements: Width: 6.6 in / 17 cm. Height: 13.3 in / 34 cm.Nachet Microscopes History Camille Sebastian Nachet was a Parisian optician who developed his career in the French capital city in the earlt 19th century. In the beginning, Nachet made lenses for the famous microscope maker Chevalier; but soon he opened his own microscope workshop in Rue Serpente 16, Paris. His first instruments had the same design as popular drum microscopes made by other manufacturers. In the mid-19th century (circa 1850) Nachet was succeeded by his son Alfred and the company was renamed Nachet et Fils. Nachet was once considered one of the three leading microscope and lens manufacturers of Paris, together with Chevalier and Oberhauser.