229 - Boulanger/Colombi, Paris | Petzval Portrait Lens

Boulanger/Colombi, Paris | Petzval Portrait Lens Estimate: €4,000–5,000 Year: c. 1860 Condition: B English: An exceptionally large and apparently extremely rare French brass portrait lens of Petzval design, with an approximate focal length of 420 mm. The lens is particularly remarkable for its unusual double signature. The rear optical group is inscribed “Boulanger, Mathématicien Géomètre, Paris,” while the massive brass barrel is engraved “COLOMBI, Quai Conti 3, Paris.” This combination is highly unusual, and, to our knowledge, no directly comparable photographic lens bearing both names has been documented. Colombi fils is recorded at 3, Quai Conti, Paris, as a maker of precision and scientific instruments in the 19th century. The inscription on the rear lens group is even more intriguing. The designation “Mathématicien Géomètre” suggests that Boulanger was involved in mathematical, surveying, or optical work rather than acting merely as a retailer. The fact that his name appears directly on the optical component, whereas Colombi’s name is engraved on the barrel, may indicate a division of labor between the design or calculation of the optical system and the manufacture or assembly of the finished instrument. Such lenses were expensive precision instruments and were normally produced in limited quantities. Another large Petzval-type lens is known to bear the inscription “Boulanger et O. Schmidt, Paris France, 7 rue des Linges à Paris,” suggesting that Boulanger was indeed involved in the manufacture or supply of substantial photographic optics in Paris. An exceptionally rare and possibly unique surviving large-format French Petzval lens in fine, original condition, featuring a slot for Waterhouse stops and clean, clear lenses. German: An exceptionally large and apparently extremely rare French brass portrait lens of the Petzval design with a focal length of approximately 420 mm. Particularly noteworthy is the unusual double signature: the rear lens group bears the inscription “Boulanger, Mathématicien Géomètre, Paris,” while the solid brass barrel is engraved with “COLOMBI, Quai Conti 3, Paris.” This combination is highly unusual; to the best of our knowledge, no directly comparable photographic lens bearing both names has been documented to date. Colombi is documented in the 19th century as a manufacturer of precision and scientific instruments at 3, Quai Conti, Paris. Even more puzzling is the inscription on the rear lens group. The designation “Mathématicien Géomètre” suggests that Boulanger was involved in mathematical, surveying, or optical work and was not merely a dealer. The fact that his name is inscribed directly on the optical component, while Colombi’s appears on the barrel, could indicate a division of labor between the calculation or manufacture of the optical system and the fabrication or assembly of the finished lens. The optics correspond to the classic Petzval portrait type. The large dimensions and the focal length of approximately 420 mm suggest use on a large-format studio camera for portraits. Such lenses were expensive and were produced in small quantities. Another large Petzval lens bearing the inscription “Boulanger et O. Schmidt, Paris France, 7 rue des Linges à Paris” is known to exist. An exceptionally rare and possibly one-of-a-kind surviving French large-format Petzval lens in beautiful original condition, featuring a slide-in aperture slit and clean, clear lenses.