Mallet Microscope or Floroscope with mirror

Botanist's microscope

With its original instructions leaflet in its original cardboard box.

This small microscope, also known as a Floroscope or botanist's microscope, was sold from the 1850s to the 1930s in France.

According to the instructions leaflet in the box, it must date from after 1883, based on the numerous medals it won at various exhibitions, the last of which was in 1883.

A small brass pocket microscope with glass lenses for rapid observation of insects, small minerals, flowers, etc. in nature.

The ingenious thing about them is that they are made up of 2 parts, and this model also features a pivoting mirror that can illuminate and bring more light to both sides.

Please note that the mirror is damaged: it has lost its tint and no longer reflects light.

The first lens, for observations requiring low magnification, is a biconvex lens mounted on an openwork cylinder. The lens is placed on the object to be magnified.

The second, for magnifications of over ten times, is the Stanhope lens. The Stanhope lens is very rudimentary, consisting of a glass cube, prism or cone with a flat surface.

The needle shown here (not original) was used to pierce the object or insect to be observed and placed under the simple lens.

Late 19th century - circa 1883

Perfect for any self-respecting budding entomologist!

Height unfolded: 8cm Closed: 6.5cm Diameter: 2.8cm

Here's an illustration of what this floroscope looked like in a period advertisement:

(Source: The Compendium - www.lecompendium.com)