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.