Rare Antique Nachet Microscope. France, Circa 1900

Beautiful and rare antique Nachet microscope made in France circa 1900, in good condition and fine working order. This is a very uncommon piece, probably model Moyen No. 9 by the manufacturer. The miscroscope is made of brass and keeps all its original component parts, all of them functional, so it can be used to watch samples. The brass parts are protected by the original transparent lacquered finish, which provides them with a gorgeous old-time patina. The brass horseshoe foot, sturdy and stable, bears the engraved manufacturers name and address: Nachet et Fils 17 Rue St. Séverin, Paris. The device also keeps the original shutter and double-sided mirror, both greatly preserved. The storing case is a fabulous solid-mahogany wooden chest, in great condition and with artisanal dovetail joints at the corners. Together with the microscope, inside we find a small black box containing 3 objectives and a wooden stand with 2 eyepieces (plus another one mounted in the device). This rare antique Nachet microscope will really shine in the best collection of ancient optical instruments. Dimensions: Width: 3.54 in / 9 cm. Height: 11.81 in / 30 cm. Depth: 4.13 in / 10.5 cm.Nachet Microscopes History Camille Sebastian Nachet was a Parisian optician who developed his career in the French capital city in the early 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.