Description

Standing 11 inches tall (14 inches fully racked up), this compact monocular is of robust construction and is well equipped.

Signed M. Pillischer, London (with a flourish) and numbered 560,  this instrument can be precisely dated due to the very fine and long 1/4 inch, covered/uncovered objective (1857). Two other objectives are included ( 1 inch and 1/2 inch), all in signed and numbered canisters. It comes with 3 eyepieces (high power in the lid), camera lucida, live box and two polariser/analysers (one swinging substage and the other for the nose). The 1 1/2 inch concave, single sided mirror shows oxidation on one edge (does not affect reflectivity). Good optics, sure rack and pinion, simple sliding stage, no forceps or bullseye. Bright, golden lacquer coverage is about 80% with wear evident on the body tube and stage. Some spotty areas. Mineral paper slider included. The fine mahogany case is only 7 inches cubed with folding brass handle, functional lock and key. Very compact and functional instrument with polarising capability.

Moritz Pillischer emigrated from Hungary in 1845 to apprentice? in London, opening his shop on New Bond Street in 1849. His business thrived due to his innovations and robust construction techniques. Winning accolades and awards at World Fair events (UK and Vienna), he became an RMS member in 1855. After an extensive career, the business was handed over to his nephew and operated until after WWII (1947). Many larger models are in private and museum collections but this is the first travelling/field model that I have seen. It is NOT a Society of Arts model as these were more simple student types.