Signed: Made for McAllister & Co., Philadelphia

Imported larger case-mounted French microscope, c.1844

(Attributed to the Parisian optician Buron, Rue des Trois Pavillons No. 10)

Made for McAllister & Co., Philadelphia. Imported larger case-mounted French microscope, c.1844
Made for McAllister & Co., Philadelphia. Imported larger case-mounted French microscope, c.1844
Made for McAllister & Co., Philadelphia. Imported larger case-mounted French microscope, c.1844. Attributed to the Parisian optician Buron Made for McAllister & Co., Philadelphia. Imported larger case-mounted French microscope, c.1844. Attributed to the Parisian optician Buron. Stored in the case.

The microscope is 11 inches tall measuring from the top of the case. The height can be extended using the draw-tube. Focusing is by rack and pinion movement of the stage. Below the stage is an aperture wheel and a double sided mirror. The microscope is equipped with a triple button objective, two eyepieces, a tube mounted stage condenser on an articulated arm, a selection of dissecting tools, and some slides.

On the basis of the illustration and description shown in the 1844 catalog of the Parisian optician Buron, Rue des Trois Pavillons No. 10, it can be surmised that this is the firm that manufactured the microscope shown on this page. The catalog states that the firm specifically made instruments for export. In addition to a horizontal microscope, two upright case-mounted microscopes were offered in the catalog. This is an example of the larger model. An example of the smaller model, which was also imported by McAllister & Co., is also represented in this collection. Another microscope, identical to the one shown on this page, has been found with the inscription "Nachet, Paris" on the tube. The microscope dates early in Nachet's career and it therefore is not clear if Nachet actually contributed to the manufacture of that instrument or just retailed it under his own name.


Buron catalog larger microscope

Another similar microscope was observed with the signature L’Ingr Chevallier, Opticien du Roi, Tour de l’horloge du Palais a Paris.


The McAllister family was involved in the instrument/optical trade since the late 18th century beginning with the business of John McAllister in Philadelphia (see: the Family Business Timeline also The McAllister Family). The firm used the name McAllister & Co. during the period 1836-1853. Subsequently, the McAllisters had shops in both Philadelphia and New York. During the early years, the firm did not make their own microscopes, but instead, imported instruments made by European firms.

The McAllister & Co. shop at 48 Chestnut St., Philadelphia

The McAllister & Co. shop at 48 Chestnut St., Philadelphia

An essay describing the work of Noël Buron, c. 1791 - 1856 is online

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