"Oberhouser" microscope

Oberhauser-type microscope and wooden box.

This model is a slight modification of the drum-type microscope. The tube houses the eyepiece and lens at the ends. It is held in place with an arm at the top of the pillar. The pillar is cylindrical and has a screw at the bottom which rotates an internal axis to move the tube vertically for focusing. The stage toward the base of the pillar is rectangular with a small central hole and 2 clips to hold the sample in place. The stage sits on a pedestal (reminiscent of the drum-type microscope) with a front opening through which the round concave mirror controlled by a side screw can be seen. Inside the box is a paper label bearing the name of the manufacturer: "G. Oberhauser. Place Dauphine. Paris."

The most striking and characteristic aspect of this instrument is the base. Although round, it is heavier than other drum-type microscopes because lead is used to improve its stability. This was one of the developments introduced by its maker, Oberhauser.

George Oberhauser (1798–1868), who was from Germany, began by working in Paris with other scientific instrument makers such as Trécourt and Bouquet. He later set up his own business and eventually partnered with Hartnack, who took the company over when Oberhauser retired.