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19th Century French Ophthalmology Trial Lens Set – 210 Lenses
€895Bid from €730
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Private sellerProduct description
Exceptional French ophthalmology trial lens set dating from the late 19th century, circa 1880–1895.
A spectacular professional optician’s set comprising approximately 210 trial lenses, individually mounted in brass and arranged in their original fitted wooden case.
The collection includes spherical concave and convex, cylindrical and prismatic lenses. The original engraved French plaques read CONCAVES, CONVEXES, CYLINDRIQUES and PRISMATIQUES.
Many of the lenses themselves retain their engraved optical values corresponding to the markings on their brass handles, an important indication of the coherence of the original set.
The case also retains an antique trial spectacle frame, together with its key. The key has a small loss at the end but operates the lock perfectly.
One particularly interesting feature is the handwritten optical conversion scale preserved inside the glazed lid.
The substantial dark wooden case, probably mahogany, is fitted with brass hardware and an impressive bevelled glass lid.
Dimensions: approx. 43 × 37.5 × 8 cm
Weight: approx. 7 kg
Period: France, late 19th century, circa 1880–1895.
No manufacturer’s mark has been found. The unusual configuration of 210 lenses (60 concave, 60 convex, 72 cylindrical and 18 prismatic) closely corresponds to documented French sets associated with the Parisian optical house P. Roulot / Giroux successor. This attribution remains tentative in the absence of a maker’s signature.
Beautiful original condition with age-related wear and patina consistent with its age.
A rare scientific and medical collectible, equally striking as a cabinet-of-curiosities or interior display piece.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsBrown, Gold, TransparentMaterialWood, Brass, GlassNumber of items1Height8 cmWidth43 cmDepth37 cm
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About this seller
Private sellerPortet-sur-Garonne, FranceOn Whoppah since May 2026 • 0 sales