Undergrad Need Help Identifying Old Optic Device

[whig]

TL;DR

I have had this is a cabinet for around 45 years. Never knew what it was.

I got this out of an old chemistry lab I cleaned out to use for experiments when I was in college in 1983. I kept it but never knew what it was for. Neat antique box specifically designed for this device. Some optic device with a pivoting mirror. Almost looks like it would be for a laser table set up but I think this predates lasers. Small lens windows. No specific identifying marks or names anywhere. Might be a nice collectible for someone who knows what it is designed for. Any help is appreciated! Thanks.

 

[Lnewqban]

Welcome, @whig !

Could it be something like this?:

https://www.alamy.com/knights-ameri...of-his-own-eye-iscalled-a-image339442071.html

This website may have other devices using a similar principle:
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-31903-2_13

 

[whig]

I have't seen this exact device yet but what a wonderful suggestion. I will continue to research this angle. Thank you for your kind help!

Larry, Ohio

 

[Drakkith]

The mirror might be used to reflect light onto a sample, much like how old microscopes used to work. I'm not sure if this narrows things down much though. Interesting device.

 

[whig]

I don't know how that would work with what looks like a very specialized device. Good idea. I would really like to find a picture and/or description of this exact thing somewhere on the internet. haven't found such yet. I was hoping this forum would help and still hoping someone recognizes this. Thank you!

 

[bigfooted]

It's a camera lucida microscope, also called Abbe's Camera. You use it in scientific drawing of microscopic objects. This design is quite close to designs from Carl Zeiss, here is one from the end of the 19th century:

http://www.antique-microscopes.com/photos/Abbe's Drawing Camera. htm

This one is a little later, and closer to your design:
https://collection.sciencemuseumgro...n-1920-1950-optical-drawing-aid-camera-lucida

edit: you can search here for more:
http://waywiser.fas.harvard.edu/search/abbe%20type

 

[whig]

This is exactly what I was hoping for! Thank you very much. It sure is an interesting old device. Merry Christmas.