Antique P. Berville Universal Camera Lucida. Complete. France, Circa 1920

Antique P. Berville universal camera lucida, complete and with an original 12-lens set. This singular instrument comes from France and was made circa 1920. The camera lucida is a device that helps the user to draw models and objects from nature while maintaining the proportions, through an ingenious system that contains different magnifying lenses. The camera lucida that we can see in the images can reach a considerable length and remains in good condition although it shows two longitudinal breaches in the second body of the telescopic tube (see pictures). These details do not affect in any way the use or the stability of the piece, which remains in perfect working order. The clamp that fixes the camera to the drawing board or table bears the instruments name in French and the manufacturers initials, P.B., engraved in the metal surface. The camera lucida comes in its original storing case, a rectangular black-leather-covered box with a lovely red satin and velvet lining inside. Perfect to decorate a study and ready to be used as a drawing tool, this antique P. Berville universal camera lucida stands out for its authenticity and good condition. Measurements: Maximum Length: 23.6 in / 60 cm. Minimum Length: 9.44 in / 24 cm.