Rare French Nachet Grand Modéle Microscope No. 3.

Wonderful and rare Grand Modéle Nº 3 microscope by Nachet, amazingly preserved and in its original solid-wooden case. This is a big-sized device, complete and made in France in 1870. The microscope is just as it was served more than one hundred and forty years old, when it was manufactured. The Grand Modéle by Nachet, designed by Camille Sebastien Nachet himself (founder of the company), was the companys most popular and highest-quality microscope. In fact, it is considered the best France-made microscope of the 19th century. The one that we can see in the photographs shows clearly the great features of these microscopes; it is in excellent working order and remains in really good condition. The microscope mounts a sturdy black-enameled cast-iron base with two brass pillars which support the rest of the device. Except for the base and some of the stages component parts, it is entirely made of brass. The metal looks great, shiny and well preserved, and keeps the original transparent-lacquer finish that provides it with a gorgeous patina. The microscope has a three-lens revolving nosepiece and preserves the double-sided mirror in good condition too. It comes with a complete accessory set: lens in their brass sleeves, eyepieces and a stand magnifier used to concentrate light on the samples. The storing case is a lovely solid-mahogany wooden box with brass handle, decorative plate and corner reinforcements. Inside it is lined with red padded silk in really good condition. The lock-and-key set is original, remaining in perfect working order. This antique and rare Grand Modéle Nº 3 microscope by Nachet is a real survivor of the early times of modern scientific research. It is a unique piece which will stand out in any study or showcase. Measurements: Width: 6.3 in / 16 cm. Height: 15.75 in / 40 cm.Nachet, Paris - History The famous optic material and microscope manufacturing company Nachet was founded by Camille S. Nachet (1799-1881) in Paris in the first half of the 19th century. Nachet was an optical who started out in 834 making lenses for the prestigious microscopes made by Dr. Charles Chevalier. In 1849 he founded his own business under the name Maison Nachet & Fils. In the beginning he only sold achromatic lenses to different microscope manufacturers, but soon he started producing his own devices based in the classic compound models of those times. By the late 1850s Nachet was already considered one of the leading microscope manufacturers in Paris together with Chevalier and Oberhauser. Circa 1880 Camille Nachet was ailing so he left his business to his son, Jean Alfred. The company was then renamed A. Nachet. By 1898 the company had acquired other famous Parisian firms such as Hartnack et Prazmowski; this turned them into the principal microscope makers of the city. The company was active until the 1950s.