Microscopic & Planetary - Dorotheum Auction of historical scientific instruments and globes

Chest Type Microscope by Henry Gregory

Photo Stereo Binocle by C. P. Goerz

Library globe by G. & J. Cary

Fascinating objects produced by centuries of science will come up for auction on 19th October 2007 at the Dorotheum's auction of historical scientific instruments and globes.

Made in London around 1770, a rare Chest Type Microscope by Henry Gregory comes in a very good, and practically unused condition, complete with six lenses and an extensive set of accessories; together with its original handsome mahogany chest and accompanied by a contemporary manual for „Gregory's Compound Microscope“, this collector's item has been valued at 4.000 – 6.000 €. A second English microscope deserving of special mention and likewise dating to the period around 1770 is a variation of the Cuff design including eyepiece and lens; made of brass, the microscope is mounted on two brass supports resting on a square wooden box with drawer (estimate 2.000 – 3.000 €).

An exceedingly rare "Photo Stereo-Binocle" by C. P. Goerz Berlin ca. 1905, may look like a pair of binoculars – but is indeed a cleverly disguised camera. It represents an interesting piece of evidence of the shady word of spies and covert operations at the turn of the 19th century. The collector's items comes with 12 original metal plates and the original leather case (starting price 2.500 €).

The rang of globes includes a particularly fine library globe by G. & J. Cary, London 1828. Very much up to date (at the time) and marking the most recent discoveries made around 1828, as the inscription asserts: „drawn from the most recent geographical works, showing the whole of the new discoveries ... and every improvement in geography to the present time.“ The wood and plaster sphere with 12 coloured segments copper engravings on paper rest on a tripod mahogany frame with a horizontal ring and compass (valuation price 12.000 - 15.000 €). Of special interest to collectors of astronomical instruments, a passage instrument by Starke & Kammerer, K.K. Vienna Polytechnic between 1866 and 1873, was used in stellar observation (estimate 10.000 – 15.000 €).

Finally, the programme features a wide and diverse range of classic cameras, from Canon to Leica, and other similar sought-after collectibles for lovers of photography.

	Chest Type Microscope by Henry Gregory
	Photo Stereo Binocle by C. P. Goerz
	Library globe by G. & J. Cary
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