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This is a very rare Chevalier-type microscope manufactured and signed by Bouquette of Paris. It consists of a lead-filled base supporting a single brass pillar. Within the pillar is the focusing mechanism—a spring/screw thread system that moves the microscope body. The body consists of an outer and inner drawtube. Optics consist of two eyepieces (numbered "2" and "3"), and only one objective. The objective has a front element that can be added for higher magnification. The objectives are achromatic as can be demonstrated by the fine imaging. Below the rectangular stage is a condenser assembly (optics missing) and a 5-position filter wheel. Below that is the parabolic illuminating mirror. The microscope and accessories can be stored in a mahogany case. Imaging is very good, showing no chromatic or spherical aberration. The body tube is signed: Bouquette 9 Rue Rollin 9 Paris
From J. Meeusen 2015: "In 1889, Jules Pelletan wrote: The poor Arthur Chevalier died a long time ago [in 1874]. After him, the company came into the hands of Mr. Avizard, manufacturer of eyeglasses and loupes, which he delegated to a manager. I am unaware whether the situation has remained the same. What is for sure, is that in the time of Arthur Chevalier the microscopes were, in general, very well made, especially the large and the mid-size models, which were called “the large” and “the small Strauss” and which almost reproduced the two large models of Nachet. – They were made by Mr. Bouquette, very skilful manufacturer-machinist, whose son actually still makes, both for his own account and for the former Arthur Chevalier company [owned by the Avizard brothers], stands of microscopes irreproachable as with respect to the mechanism. This microscope in The Golub collection signed by Bouquette confirms Pelletan’s assertion: some of Arthur Chevalier’s microscope stands were indeed made by Bouquette*."
This microscope by Bouquette, along with No. 312 (Alfred and Albert Nachet) and No. 313 (C. Chevalier) complete the "Nachet Lineage" in the Golub Collection. These three microscopes were purchased in memory of Orv Golub.
*Jeroen Meeusen, Important collection of French microscopes from the second half of the 19th century. Le Zograscope, Paris.
Microscope featured 3/2016
