Description

A GERMAN CHEST-TYPE COMPOUND MICROSCOPE

c.1810-20

Attributed to C. Oechsle

Dimension: 15 ¼” (39cm) high; case 13 ¼” (34cm) x 5 1/8” (13cm) x 4 ½” (11,5cm)

Fully complete with many accessories,

As in photos, this microscope is very complete in accessories, perfect working condition and remarkable conservation. The walnut case is in perfect condition. Original key and lock.

An untouched microscope in its original patina.

Although unsigned, this microscope can be attributed to Carl Oechsle of Esslingen (Germany).

This “chest-type” microscope is almost identical to the one in Deutsche Museum (Mikroskop von C. Oechsle) that is signed and only differs for not being foldable as this one. Another one almost identical was in the McKinnon coll., SOTHEBY’S 14 Dec. 2004, lot 259), one in Kern Coll. (attributed to Tiedeman). Another one, very different although, is in Mikroskop :: Stadtmuseum im Gelben Haus Esslingen :: museum-digital:baden-württemberg

We thanks Joseph Zeligs for some insights.

AS FAR AS WE KNOW, THIS IS THE ONLY “CHEST-TYPE” OF THIS MAKER

A RARE MICROSCOPE MADE BY HIS INVENTOR

Carl Oechsle was born in Esslingen in 1782 and may have been apprenticed to the Stuttgart court mechanic Jakob Heinrich Tiedemann. In 1809 he opened a workshop in Esslingen. In 1812 he received the title Hofopticus and Mechanicus after King Friedrich of Württemberg purchased a telescope from his workshop. In addition to microscopes, he also manufactured other optical instruments. Optical glass, which Oechsle imported from abroad, was difficult to obtain and very expensive. At the Art and Crafts Exhibition in Stuttgart in 1823, Carl Oechsle received the royal prize for one of his telescopes. Later, he and his son Gottlob, who worked in the workshop, regularly took part in exhibitions. In 1830, they expanded the range to include silver and gold watches with a new winding mechanism, but soon gave up this line of business. Later, he also took part in an industrial exhibition, as well as in exhibitions of the Esslingen Trade Association. Carl Oechsle probably worked in his workshop until the end. He died in October 1855.
[Christian Rilling]

Literature

Boegehold, Hans (1937): Die optische Werkstätte von Carl Oechsle in Esslingen. In: Zeitschrift für ophthalmologische Optik mit Einschluss der Instrumentenkunde 15 (1937), pp. 65-86

Hochstetter, Christian Ferdinand Friedrich (1825): Hofmechanicus Oechsle Eßlingen, Seine trefflichen Mikroskope. In: Hesperus. Encyclopaedic Journal for Educated Readers, No. 294, 9.12.1825, pp. 117-176

Mikroskop von C. Oechsle (Deutsche Museum)

SOTHEBY’S 14 Dec 2004 lot 259 (McKinnon coll.)

FEEL FREE TO ASK FOR DETAIL OR FURTHER PHOTOS