Compound Microscope and Accessories, Likely Dutch, c. 1790, Modified During the 1830s’ to become achromatic
Stock Number: FG_22005
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Large tripod Dutch microscope of the terminal 18th century, modified to achromatic in the early 19th century.
Dimensions
39/40 cm high when standing
Circa
1800
Country of manufacture
Other
Description
This is a very fine example of a large tripod-mounted Dutch microscope from the early 19th century. This type of microscope, a development of the Dellebarre type, is never signed, but we know some earlier examples of box-mounted and datable from the late 18th century. The present example is very similar to one preserved at Oxford (inventory inv.41738: https://www.hsm.ox.ac.uk/collections-online#/item/hsm-catalogue-6719 ) and described as Dutch. The present example was modified during the 1830s with the addition of an early achromatic French objective, a new plate and a mirror mounted below the stage and not on the tripod leg as it was originally.
This is a rare microscope of high quality with four original non-achromatic objectives and one achromatic objective (most likely adopted from a French set by Chevalier professionally fit into an original objective brass frame). It measures 39/40 cm high.
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Gilgamesh
Gilgamesh was the mythological hero of the cultures of ancient West Asia, who set out on a journey in which he sought youth and eternal life.
Fleaglass Gilgamesh is located in Israel. As an archaeologist researching the material culture of the distant past and using the microscope as a powerful research tool, I have collected microscopes for over two decades from this fantastic tool's first 300 years of existence and researched the cultural context of their use. Passion has become an obsession, and I cultivate the complete and almost unique West Asian collection of historical microscopes. Respectively, I put up surplus or exciting items from the collection for sale. I would be happy to advise any interested collector free of charge. I would love to send photos, information and bibliographic references and discuss the sale details of the items offered here for sale.
