Antique French Microscope With Case And Accessories, 1870. Medical Scientific.
SOUTHAMPTON, United Kingdom
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Dimensions
Wear Condition
Good
Style
Antique, Vintage, French Antiques
Item Location
SOUTHAMPTON, United Kingdom
Product Details
Description
An antique brass microscope by Heartnack et Compagnie, Paris, with mirror, bullseye on arm in a French polished case with 2 eyepieces and leather covered case with 3 objectives. The serial number on the case, 8979, allows use to determine the year of manufacture as 1870. A beautiful piece of craftsmanship remaining in functional condition and an impressive display piece, some marks and tarnish to the metal. Edmund Hartnack was a renowned microscope maker in the 19th century, known for his contributions to optical advancements. Microscopes from his workshop are considered to be pieces of scientific history.
The origins of Hartnack & Prazmowski were in the Parisian optical business founded by Georg Oberhaeuser, who popularised Martin’s drum microscope pattern and developed the horseshoe-footed continental stand, as seen on this example. Oberhaeuser began his business in c. 1830, in 1854, he formed a partnership with his assistant Hartnack and retired shortly afterwards in 1854. The business operated as “Oberhaeuser and Hartnack” until 1859, when Hartnack became the sole owner and the firm became simply “Hartnack”. Hartnack left France in 1870, at the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War, and went to establish a business in Potsdam, near Berlin, known as Hartnack. The Paris business continued as “Hartnack et Cie” and, later, in 1973, Hartnack and Prazmowski (moving to 1 Rue Bonaparte). Prazmowski took sole ownership of the Paris business in 1878, and later, in 1883, passed it on to his employees Bézu and Hausser. The firm became “Bézu, Hausser et Cie”, although they continued to use Prazmowski’s name until his death in 1885. They sold the business to Alfred Nachet in 1896. Hartnack’s Potsdam business continued after his death until well into the 1900s.
The Microscope stands 30cm (11.65") high when extended, 25cm when not and the case stands 28cm (14.17") high.
Additional dimensions information:
The Microscope stands 30cm (11.65") high when extended, 25cm when not and the case stands 28cm (14.17") high.
Wear Condition
Good
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Returns
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Additional Delivery Info from Seller
Free collection available
Yes
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Reviews
5.0
Based on 1 review
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
Clear, predictable protection for every pre-loved purchase.
Simple £75 flat return fee for UK-to-UK mainland furniture when you change your mind.
Applies to furniture with a final selling price of up to £5,000 (excluding delivery and service fees) and delivered from a UK mainland seller to mainland UK addresses. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
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What your service fee covers
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14-day return guarantee
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Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
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Seller vetting
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Dedicated customer support
| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
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| 0 — 49.99 | 2.75 |
| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
| 200 — 399.99 | 21.00 |
| 400 — 599.99 | 30.00 |
| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
| 800 — 999.99 | 50.00 |
| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
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