France Archives - Page 5 of 53

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An 18th century Gregorian telescope of small scale with a 2″ diameter, the ball joint adjustment on the stand is most commonly found on French examples, this compact version would have been perfect for travel or field trips Read More...

25 Nov

Unusual Nachet Grand Model No. 2 Microscope (1870)

By Viafora

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Nachet Grand Model No. 2 Microscope, superbly preserved and in its original wooden case. This is a large, complete instrument manufactured in France in 1870. The microscope appears as it was supplied from the factory more than 140 years ago. Nachet’s Grand Model was the firm’s most popular model and also its highest quality, considered the finest French microscope of the 19th century. It is in excellent working order and very good cosmetic condition. It has a mechanical stage Read More...

15 Nov

Charriere-Process, Flexible-Ivory Nipple Shields

By M and R Gordon

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A pair of boxwood nipple shields with flexible ivory nipples. When we acquired the shields, our assumption was that the nipples were rubber that had miraculously not deteriorated over time. A colleague brought to our attention a similar pair in his collection by Charriere that were marked “IVOIRE FLEXIBLE”. Apparently, Charriere had patented a process for making ivory flexible. We’ve not been able to establish a date for this patent. The pair we are offering are not marked but Read More...

11 Nov

Cased Desmarres Ophthalmoscope, C1860

By M and R Gordon

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Desmarres’ opthalmoscope was introduced in 1856. Initially it was made bu Lerebours & Secretan and employed a glass mirror. Schett (The Ophthalmoscope, 1996, p. 161) notes that Desmarres was unhappy with the functioning of this model and its cost. He had Charriere produce the second and much more widely adopted model, which employed a polished metal mirror.It has two para-central apertures: one was used for looking at the left eye, the other for the right eye. It lacks the Read More...

10 Nov

Early X-Ray Localization of Bullets

By TESSERACT

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RARE SURGICAL BULLET EXPLORATION SYSTEM OF MAJOR HIRTZ, French, c.1915, contained in the original leatherette covered fitted case 16-1/2″ x 11-1/4″ x 3-3/4″ (42 x 28 x 9 cm), signed in gilt on the red chamois lining “Etablissements Gaiffe, Compas de Mr. le Médicin Major Hirtz pour la recherche des Projectiles.” There are numerous devices of polished steel and brass, including three standards with articulated holders for various accessory devices (three straight arms with spring-mounted balls of lead, three Read More...

10 Nov

Attractive Thermometer needing neither Battery nor Liquid

By TESSERACT

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ELEGANT METALLIC THERMOMETER, French, c. first half 19th century. The large wall-mounting wood support is 9-5/8″ x 10″ x 5/8″ (24 x 25 x 1.6 cm) with a fine mahogany veneer and set with a Centigrade (Celsius) degree scale running from “Glace” at 0° up to 33° (equivalent to 91° Fahrenheit), the brass scale divided every degree. A short support arm has two little concave wells, the arm¹s tilt adjustable from behind. And there are two wall mounting lugs. Read More...

07 Nov

18th C. Scarificator

By Van Leest Antiques

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Square scarifier with 13 blades. Instrument used between the late 18th century and the early 1900s to cut the skin before applying a vaccine or to perform cupping therapy known as ‘scarification’ (small incisions). Large model, the rear cover is decorated with foliage, a wrought iron key allows the blades to be adjusted, an upper latch allows the blades to be released, while a side button allows them to be retracted. Measurements 9 cm x 4.8 x 4.8 cm and Read More...

07 Nov

F. Charriere Embalming Set, 19th C

By Van Leest Antiques

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Frédéric Charrière, A set with two syringes for embalming or cadaveric injections, circa 1840-1850. Anatomical set for thanatopraxy or embalming or, as described in 19th-century catalogs, for cadaveric injections, with two syringes and signed by Charrière in Paris. The box is composed of two large syringes, one with double reinforcement ebony handles and a smaller syringe with ebony handle, two taps and eight cannulas. Large syringes with double handles are rare, boxes with two syringes even more so. Missing a small Read More...

02 Nov

19th Century Celestial Globe By Charles Dien, Signed And Dedicated To Ma Bouvard

By Florin

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Rare and elegant 19th century celestial globe, signed: “Dedicated to MA Bouvard… / by Ch. Dien”. Created by Charles Dien, a famous French globe maker, this globe features beautifully printed constellations and celestial data, presented on a 30 cm diameter sphere, mounted on a bronze armillary structure with a wooden base. The globe has minor historical restorations, visible in the photos, but remains in very good overall condition. An ideal decorative and collectible scientific instrument for libraries, offices or Read More...

02 Nov

19th Century Silvered and Engraved Bronze Portable Sundial

By Florin

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Elegant 19th-century portable sundial crafted in bronze, partially silvered and finely engraved with precise calibrations and decorative detailing. This compact timekeeping instrument reflects the technical skill and aesthetic refinement characteristic of 19th-century European scientific craftsmanship. Its combination of silvered and gilt surfaces enhances both legibility and visual appeal, making it a beautiful example of the period’s functional yet ornamental design. Dimensions (closed): Height 3 cm (1.2 in), Diameter 8 cm (3.1 in). A collectible and decorative 19th-century sundial, ideal for connoisseurs of antique Read More...

02 Nov

UNIVERSAL EQUINOCTIAL RING SUN DIAL NICOLAS BION, PARIs, CIRCA 1700

By Florin

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UNIVERSAL EQUINOCTIAL RING SUN DIAL NICOLAS BION, PARIS, CIRCA 1700 A RARE EQUINOCTIAL RING signed “N Bion A PARIS”, around 1700, made IN BRONZE composed of meridian and equatorial rings, latitude engraved with European city names alternating with flower motifs. Rotary bridge with month scale and zodiacal dial decorated with engraved scroll patterns. Scale of latitudes with a scale of degrees numbered 0-90° reading to one degree. Time divisions engraved in Arabic characters (I-XII x 2) Beautiful instrument signed by Nicolas BION Read More...

02 Nov

19th Century Silvered Pocket Sundial

By Florin

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Elegant 19th-century pocket sundial, designed to be worn or carried, made of silvered metal with finely engraved details. This compact and functional timepiece reflects the refinement and precision characteristic of 19th-century scientific instruments, blending practicality with decorative appeal. A charming example of portable horology, ideal for collectors of antique scientific or navigational tools. Dimensions: Diameter 5 cm (2 in). A refined and collectible 19th-century sundial, combining technical ingenuity and timeless elegance. Read More...