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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Description from the seller
French top-quality glass: Antique brass Hermagis Paris lens (serial number 25720)
A wonderful opportunity to own a piece of photographic history from the 19th century!
This authentic brass lens tube is made by the French manufacturer Hermagis Paris. Hermagis carried the prestigious title Opticien de l'Empereur (court supplier to the French emperor). Lenses from this brand were world-famous for their unparalleled optical precision and craftsmanship.
Based on the unique, consecutive serial number 25720, this lens can be dated exactly 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 available glass — both the mounted front group and the two loose elements — is in a very good, clear state. The glass is fully mold-free and there are no scratches noticeable.
• 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 sharpness adjustment mechanism operates smoothly. (Note: two small grub screws at the guide are missing; a simple repair for restorers).
• The system: Designed with the historical slot for removable Waterhouse diaphragms plates.
Exact physical dimensions:
• Visible diameter of the front lens: approx. 75 mm (inside diameter of the mount).
• Outside diameter of the loose elements: approx. 85 mm.
• Fit: When the loose elements are held at the open rear of the cylinder, there remains around 1.5 mm of precise play all around. This corresponds to the wall thickness of a standard 19th-century lens cell.
Important note about completeness and authenticity (sold in present condition):
The rear brass lens cell (the screw 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.
Note: Although these two loose, antique glass elements are preserved together with the cylinder and the dimensions logically align with a classic, symmetric Hermagis lens construction, we cannot 100% guarantee that these are the original factory rear elements.
This set is expressly sold “as is” in its present condition as a highly 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.
Careful packaging and insured shipping.
French top-quality glass: Antique brass Hermagis Paris lens (serial number 25720)
A wonderful opportunity to own a piece of photographic history from the 19th century!
This authentic brass lens tube is made by the French manufacturer Hermagis Paris. Hermagis carried the prestigious title Opticien de l'Empereur (court supplier to the French emperor). Lenses from this brand were world-famous for their unparalleled optical precision and craftsmanship.
Based on the unique, consecutive serial number 25720, this lens can be dated exactly 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 available glass — both the mounted front group and the two loose elements — is in a very good, clear state. The glass is fully mold-free and there are no scratches noticeable.
• 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 sharpness adjustment mechanism operates smoothly. (Note: two small grub screws at the guide are missing; a simple repair for restorers).
• The system: Designed with the historical slot for removable Waterhouse diaphragms plates.
Exact physical dimensions:
• Visible diameter of the front lens: approx. 75 mm (inside diameter of the mount).
• Outside diameter of the loose elements: approx. 85 mm.
• Fit: When the loose elements are held at the open rear of the cylinder, there remains around 1.5 mm of precise play all around. This corresponds to the wall thickness of a standard 19th-century lens cell.
Important note about completeness and authenticity (sold in present condition):
The rear brass lens cell (the screw 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.
Note: Although these two loose, antique glass elements are preserved together with the cylinder and the dimensions logically align with a classic, symmetric Hermagis lens construction, we cannot 100% guarantee that these are the original factory rear elements.
This set is expressly sold “as is” in its present condition as a highly 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.
Careful packaging 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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