French pocket botanical microscope, ca. 1840
Stock Number: FG_21047
Sold
A handsome botanical pocket microscope integrated into a pencil-shaped box from the first half of the 19th century. This is a rare and early form of these microscopes, incorporating a fine focusing screw at the top of the post which carries the lens and stage. The case is 13 x 7.3 x 4.5 cm.
Dimensions
Case: 13 x 7.3 x 4.5 cm.
Maker
French, unsigned
Country of manufacture
France
Description
The mahogany case is fitted for the parts, and the lid slides into the case. Into a boss in the center of the lid screws the pillar, a brass rod with a boss for the stage, controlled by a knurled knob for fine focusing on top of the pillar. Two simple lenses are present, as well as a substage mirror and other accessories. See photos for more details.
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Dealer information
Gilgamesh
Gilgamesh is a mythological hero from the ancient cultures of West Asia, who embarked on a journey in search of youth and eternal life. Fleaglass Gilgamesh is located in Israel. As an Emeritus Professor of archaeology, I have spent over four decades researching the material culture of the distant past, utilizing the microscope as a powerful research tool. For the past thirty years, I have collected microscopes from the first 300 years of this remarkable instrument's history and have studied the cultural context of their use.
What started as a passion has turned into an obsession, and I now cultivate a nearly unique collection of historical microscopes from West Asia. From time to time, I offer surplus or particularly interesting items from my collection for sale. I am happy to provide free advice to any interested collector. If you would like to receive photos, information, and bibliographic references, or if you wish to discuss the details of the items I have for sale, please feel free to reach out.
