Hermagis No. 25720 | Brass lens
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Selected by Thorsten Pöllath
Has 40 years of experience in photography and 25 years of collecting expertise, specialising in M42 lens mounts.
Estimate € 350 - € 400
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Hermagis Paris, No. 25720, antique brass lens cylinder in very good physical condition, tested and working, dating to circa 1885–1890, with the rear lens holder missing and sold as is for restoration or parts.
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Description from the seller
French top-quality glass: Antique brass Hermagis Paris lens cylinder (serial number 25720)
A wonderful opportunity to own a piece of 19th-century photographic history!
This authentic brass lens barrel is made by the French manufacturer Hermagis Paris. Hermagis bore the prestigious title Opticien de l'Empereur (court supplier to the French emperor). Lenses from this brand were world-famous for their unmatched optical precision and craftsmanship.
Based on the unique, consecutive serial number 25720, this lens can be dated precisely to the golden era of French optics: between 1885 and 1890.
Key features and optical condition:
• The glass: Absolutely in excellent condition for its age. All glass present — both the mounted rear group and the two loose elements — is in very good, clear condition. The glass is completely mold-free and there are no noticeable scratches.
• The cylinder: Featuring a beautiful, deep original patina with the sharp, authentic historical engravings: “Hermagis Opt. Fabt. Breveté S.G.D.G. Paris”.
• The mechanism: The classic rack-and-pinion focus mechanism runs smoothly. (Note: two small set screws near the guide are missing; a simple repair for restorers.)
• The system: Designed with the historical slot for loose Waterhouse diaphragm plates.
Exact physical dimensions:
• Visible diameter of the front lens: approx. 75 mm (inner diameter of the mounting)
• Outer diameter of the loose elements: approx. 85 mm
• Fit: When the loose elements are held at the open rear of the cylinder, there remains an accurate clearance of about 1.5 mm around. This corresponds to the wall thickness of a standard 19th-century lens cell.
Important note on completeness and authenticity (for sale in current condition):
The rear brass lens cell (the retaining ring that holds the rear glass elements in place and screws into the main cylinder) is missing. The rear of the cylinder is currently open, exposing the internal threads.
Please note: Although these two loose antique glass elements are preserved with the cylinder and the dimensions logically align with a classic, symmetrical Hermagis lens construction, we cannot 100% guarantee that they are the original accompanying rear elements from the factory.
This set is expressly sold 'as is' in its current state as a very valuable restoration project or for high-quality parts. Perfect for wet-plate photographers, collectors of antique lenses, or restorers seeking rare, undamaged 85 mm French glass from the 19th century.
Carefully packed and insured shipping.
French top-quality glass: Antique brass Hermagis Paris lens cylinder (serial number 25720)
A wonderful opportunity to own a piece of 19th-century photographic history!
This authentic brass lens barrel is made by the French manufacturer Hermagis Paris. Hermagis bore the prestigious title Opticien de l'Empereur (court supplier to the French emperor). Lenses from this brand were world-famous for their unmatched optical precision and craftsmanship.
Based on the unique, consecutive serial number 25720, this lens can be dated precisely to the golden era of French optics: between 1885 and 1890.
Key features and optical condition:
• The glass: Absolutely in excellent condition for its age. All glass present — both the mounted rear group and the two loose elements — is in very good, clear condition. The glass is completely mold-free and there are no noticeable scratches.
• The cylinder: Featuring a beautiful, deep original patina with the sharp, authentic historical engravings: “Hermagis Opt. Fabt. Breveté S.G.D.G. Paris”.
• The mechanism: The classic rack-and-pinion focus mechanism runs smoothly. (Note: two small set screws near the guide are missing; a simple repair for restorers.)
• The system: Designed with the historical slot for loose Waterhouse diaphragm plates.
Exact physical dimensions:
• Visible diameter of the front lens: approx. 75 mm (inner diameter of the mounting)
• Outer diameter of the loose elements: approx. 85 mm
• Fit: When the loose elements are held at the open rear of the cylinder, there remains an accurate clearance of about 1.5 mm around. This corresponds to the wall thickness of a standard 19th-century lens cell.
Important note on completeness and authenticity (for sale in current condition):
The rear brass lens cell (the retaining ring that holds the rear glass elements in place and screws into the main cylinder) is missing. The rear of the cylinder is currently open, exposing the internal threads.
Please note: Although these two loose antique glass elements are preserved with the cylinder and the dimensions logically align with a classic, symmetrical Hermagis lens construction, we cannot 100% guarantee that they are the original accompanying rear elements from the factory.
This set is expressly sold 'as is' in its current state as a very valuable restoration project or for high-quality parts. Perfect for wet-plate photographers, collectors of antique lenses, or restorers seeking rare, undamaged 85 mm French glass from the 19th century.
Carefully packed and insured shipping.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Brand
Hermagis
Model/type nr
No. 25720 |
Physical condition
Very good
Functional condition
Tested and working
Estimated period
1850-1900
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