Astra Aplanastigmaat Stereolenzen (No. 1093 & 1094) Brass lens

Antique Pair "Astra" Aplanastigmaat Stereolenses (No. 1093 & 1094) on a wooden lens board. Offered is an original, consecutively numbered pair of antique brass stereoscopic photography lenses, mounted on a wooden lens board. The lenses bear the engraving "Astra Aplanastigmaat F:8 No 1" and were specifically produced for stereoscopic camera shots, where two simultaneous images were taken from a slightly shifted perspective to create depth. Condition • Optical: The glass is clear and, given its age, in very good condition with no deep scratches. • Mechanical: Both diaphragm rings rotate smoothly. The internal blades open and close properly (see detail photos showing the diaphragm open and closed). • Cosmetic: The brass shows an authentic, age-related patina with light signs of use and superficial discolorations that contribute to the historic character. The wooden lens board has a nice gloss and light wear around the edges. Historical Context The type 'Aplanastigmaat' gained popularity at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. This type of lens was designed to correct spherical and chromatic aberrations (image defects), resulting in a sharper image across the whole field. The brand name "Astra" was a respected trademark of the well-known Dutch photo wholesaler and importer E. Fischel Jr. from Amsterdam. Fischel Jr. sourced high-quality optical components from leading French and German manufacturers around the turn of the century and supplied them under the brand name "Astra" for the Dutch market. Stereophotography experienced a huge boom during this period, with photographers using exact optical pairs like these consecutively numbered sets on wooden travel cameras and plate cameras. The shown photos are clearly part of the description. The set is carefully packaged and insured for shipment.

Estimate:£125.63

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