Camille Sebastian Nachet (1799-1881) was a Parisian optician who began by producing lenses for the well-known microscope manufacturer Chevalier, later setting up his own business. The first of them were of the drum type, in the image and likeness of those that were made in those days to gradually introduce their own and unmistakable models, which were imitated by other manufacturers. At the London exhibition of 1851 he received an award for the quality of his lens and surpassed in recognition that of his master of his Chevalier of his. Along with Oberhauser, these three manufacturers are considered the best in France of the 19th century and in fact, Nachet is the only one that has maintained the brand until today.
This microscope is perfectly preserved, it has the name and address engraved on the support of the main tube and thanks to the latter, we can deduce that it was built in its first years as a manufacturer, in the period between 1856 and 1862 in which it had its headquarters in Serpente 16 street in Paris. Its heavy structure of "continental" design is supported on two pillars and makes it the largest model ever made by Nachet, which determines its name. The top of the microscope rotates entirely on the viewing platform. The box, with gilt reinforcements on the corners, is made of mahogany and is in perfect condition. As accessories it has different objectives, filters, condenser with adjustable iris-diaphragm, camera lucida, polarizer and side illuminator.
References: "Billings Microscope Collection" pag 93, fig. 173
G. Turner, Collecting Microscopes, pag 84-86
H. Moe, "The Story of the Microscopes", pag 194-207
Links: http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/indexmag.html?http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/art97b/nachet.html
http://www.microscope-antiques.com/nachetgrand2.html
http://www.arsmachina.com/nachet2_binoc.htm
http://english.meeusen.com/