Antique Monocular Microscope E. Hartnack et Cie. France, 1865

This antique microscope was made by E. Hartnack et Cie and is signed in the turret. The instrument was made in France in 1865 and comes in its original wooden case, being fully functional too. The microscope has a cast-iron horseshoe-shaped base, the rest of the component parts being made of polished brass. The brass preserves the original transparent lacquered finish. The pieces and parts move fluidly and make possible a simple and easy operation.The microscopes turret bears a hand-engraved inscription in cursive lettering that reads: E. Hartnack et Cie Place Dauphine, 21 Paris. These words reveal that this article was made by the company created by Edmund Hartnack in Paris that was located in the French capital city until 1870. That year the company was taken over by Adam Prazmowski, a man from the Warsaw Observatory who kept on manufacturing microscopes under the name Hartnack & Prazmowski. The company was taken over by Nachet in the late 19th century.The microscope that we can see in the images shows off a balanced and functional design that displays all the charm of antique instruments. It is a monocular model and comes with two lenses. The storing case is divided in various compartments one of them is covered by a lid and contains the glass plates for the samples. The case is made of solid mahogany wood and bears nice artisanal dovetail joints in the corners. The covers inner side is lined with padded purple satin in quite good condition.This striking antique microscope is a real witness of the history of European scientific survey, as well as a beautiful decorative piece.Measurements: Width: 5.5 in / 14 cm. Height: 10.6 in / 27 cm.