NEW ARRIVALS
Carl Zeiss Collimator (early 20th century)
Country
Germany
Period
20th Century
GBP £725.00
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Country
Germany
Period
20th Century
Description
This is a rare and unusual early 20th-century (est.) optical instrument. The instrument is attributed to Carl Zeiss, as indicated by a yellow sticker with the initials CZ affixed to the left side of the base, and was likely designed for testing or aligning prisms.
The only known reference to this device appears in a period diagram labelled "Abb. 27 Prüfgerät für Prismen" (“Fig. 27: Testing device for prisms”), which closely resembles the instrument offered here. This diagram is the sole piece of material we have been able to locate and provides the only indication of the device’s origins or intended use (see images). This suggests it was likely produced in limited numbers, possibly for internal or specialist laboratory use.
The instrument comprises a robust angled wooden base, a horizontal collimator barrel, and an adjustable prism platform or sighting stage. A detachable mirror is mounted beneath — possibly serving as a sub-stage light source — though it doesn't appear to be an original accessory. The construction suggests it was intended to project or observe a collimated beam of light across a mounted prism or optical element.
Condition report
Condition is good for its age, with surface wear to the wood and light oxidisation to the fittings. The optics appear intact. A rare and compelling piece for collectors of early Zeiss instruments or antique optical technology.