Buyers from USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and Germany don't need to pay any additional charges as the seller offers to ship this item with DDP (with all import duties and taxes pre-paid)
ITEM DESCRIPTION
Antique Miniature Portable Pocket Microscope (First Model) Origin: France Date of Manufacture: 1903
Overview & Design
This is an exceptionally rare, highly desirable example of an early 20th-century French miniature portable pocket microscope, recognized historically as one of the smallest functional microscopes ever produced.
This specific piece is a coveted first model variant, representing the inception of ultra-portable precision microscopy design.
The instrument is engineered with a cylindrical nickel-plated brass body and features a clever, integrated folding mechanism.
This architectural design allows it to morph effortlessly from a highly compact pocket tube into a fully functional, inclined field microscope when mounted on its base capsule.
The base of the mounting capsule features the authentic period French stamping:
"MICROSCOPE UNIVERSEL A GROSS_T VARIABLE - BREVET S.G.D.G."
Dimensions & Mechanical Extensions
The technical genius of this miniature instrument lies in its telescoping drawtubes, which provide variable magnification adjustments while keeping the footprint remarkably small: Closed / Compact
Length: 11 cm total length in its fully collapsed state. Fully Extended Length: Reaches an impressive 24 cm in length when the internal optical drawtubes are completely extended.
Condition & Optical Note
The structural chassis, nickel plating, mechanical folding arm, joints, and threading remain in excellent, solid condition for an instrument over a century old.
Optical Clarification:
It should be explicitly noted that a portion of the internal eyepiece element (internal ocular) is currently missing.
Restoration Potential: This minor absence can be resolved with relative ease. Due to the historical manufacturing standards of the era, there remains a massive, readily available surplus of loose antique ocular elements on the collector's market today, making this a straightforward and highly rewarding candidate for complete optical restoration.
Curatorial Significance & Collectibility
This instrument is far more than a novelty; it represents a pinnacle milestone in the evolution of portable scientific instrumentation.
At the turn of the 20th century, the demand for "field microscopy" surged among physicians, botanists, and naturalists who required immediate diagnostic capabilities outside the laboratory.
As a first model of French manufacturing from 1903, its extreme miniaturization makes it a premier center-piece for advanced collections of medical history, antique scientific instruments, and early micro-optics. Its rarity, stamped patent authenticity, and exquisite mechanical design ensure it holds immense historical value and strong appreciation potential for discerning collectors.
ABOUT SHIPPING
Shipping cost via FedEx certified with tracking code is $ 19 (2 to 6 weeks to arrive).
Buyers from USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and Germany don't need to pay any additional charges as the seller offers to ship this item with DDP (with all import duties and taxes pre-paid)
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