Dismountable Camera obscura

The ingenious design of this camera obscura and the delicate way in which all the details are crafted suggest that this graceful piece of 17th cabinetry is the journeyman's piece of a gifted Italian carpenter. The dismountable body is held together by interconnected timber joints only. When not in use all parts can be stored in a small wooden box with hinged lids, which beforehand served as a visor. As a masking to the eyepiece serves a pivoted brass plate which is engraved: „Francesco Coppini in Galleria di S:M:I: in Firenze : 1752“. Although the wood shows some minor wear, the camera is in exceptional good all over condition; the lens, the mirror and the diffusion screen made of etched glass are later additions. We have no knowledge that a comparable piece has ever been published or auctioned. Besides its rareness this beautifully crafted lot is one of the rare opportunities to purchase such an early and exceptional camera obscura