Antique French Nachet Microscope. Very Complete. France, Circa 1870

Wonderful antique French Nachet microscope made in France circa 1870 and in very good condition. This microscope is entirely made of brass and shows off a typical design of the last decades of the 19th century. The brass is finely preserved and still keeps the original transparent lacquered finish that has prevented the metal surface from rusting. At the microscopes foot we can see the manufacturers name, NACHET ET FILS, clearly engraved by hand together with the companys address. The mechanisms component parts and piece are in good working order except for the fine-adjustment focus system, blocked by old remains of dry grease. The rest of the screws and mobile parts are in operation and make it possible to use the microscope to watch samples. As well as the microscope itself, inside the case we can also find two accessory sets, one with eyepieces and the other with objectives. The factory card that comes with this item contains a list of the accessories and its features; according to it, the equipment is complete. It contains three numbered eyepieces and three objectives, these stored in a small leatherette-covered case with inner purple-satin lining. One of the objectives is not operational, or maybe it could be an oil immersion piece. The mahogany wooden case is in striking condition: it has fine and sturdy dovetail joints at the corners, and the wooden surface shows only slight signs of the trace of time and use. It preserves the original lock-and-key set in working order too. Truly original and more than 150 years old, this antique French Nachet microscope is a good example of quality scientific instruments from the late 19th century. Measurements: Bases Width: 4.6 in / 11.5 cm. Height: 12.8 in / 32 cm.Nachet Microscopes History Camille Sebastian Nachet was a Parisian optician who developed his career in the French capital city in the earlt 19th century. In the beginning, Nachet made lenses for the famous microscope maker Chevalier; but soon he opened his own microscope workshop in Rue Serpente 16, Paris. His first instruments had the same design as popular drum microscopes made by other manufacturers. In the mid-19th century (circa 1850) Nachet was succeeded by his son Alfred and the company was renamed Nachet et Fils. Nachet was once considered one of the three leading microscope and lens manufacturers of Paris, together with Chevalier and Oberhauser.