Antique Nuremberg-Type Compound Microscope. Germany, Circa 1800

Antique Nuremberg compound microscope made in Germany circa 1800, in good condition and original from the time. This is quite a special piece: these microscopes were made of quite unstable materials such as cardboard and paper, and only a few of them have survived to our days. The microscope is made of turned wood and paper-covered cardboard and preserves the original lenses. The lenses are covered by dust so it is impossible to watch samples, though the microscope could be professionally cleaned. I haven't been able to focus it to see samples, but all the lenses seem to be there. Anyway, this item is still an exceptional collectors piece with a high testimonial value. These instruments were known as Nuremberg toy microscopes or Nuremberg toy tripod microscopes. Originally they were quite cheap and were used as toys or learning tools. They show the same design as Culpeper-type microscopes and were made by Nuremberg wood craftsmen. These craftsmen became very popular for the wonderful wooden toys they manufactured between the 17th and the 19th centuries. Though these microscopes were then popular and non-expensive items, they are currently considered high-collection items and are very sought after. The microscope that we can see in the images mounts a circular wooden base with three small spherical legs. Over the base we can see the tripod, composed of three turned legs. Attached to the base we can see a simple mobile mirror used to focus the light. Specimens are placed in the central base, located on top of the three legs. At the top of the microscope we can see the turret, made of cardboard cylinders covered in sharkskin and paper. The turret is composed of two detachable bodies which hide the lens and the eyepiece. This instruments also includes a wooden piece with a circular central hole (it is not original from the time, but still quite ancient) and a sample plate. For its rareness, ancient age and great charm, this antique Nuremberg-type compound microscope is bound to shine in a good museum or as part of the collection of somebody with a passion for exclusive pieces. Dimensions: Width: 4.92 in / 12.5 cm. Height: 13.78 in / 35 cm.