233 - Carl Zeiss Jena | Tessar 4.5/50 cm 'Dr. Walter Demmering, Glauchau'

Carl Zeiss Jena | Tessar 4.5/50 cm 'Dr. Walter Demmering, Glauchau' Estimate: €1,600–1,800 Year: 1912 Serial No.: 159249 Condition: A/B English: An exceptionally large early Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar in a black-lacquered brass mount with an iris diaphragm, engraved with DRP 142294. The barrel bears the prominent contemporary ownership inscription “Dr. Demmering, Glauchau.” Dr. Walter Demmering (1872–1940), an industrialist and astronomer, established a private observatory behind his residence at Wettiner Straße 4 in Glauchau in 1907. Contemporary records document several optical and astronomical instruments from this observatory. The 500mm lens would have been suitable for large-format scientific or astronomical photography. An extremely rare, large, and early Tessar in beautiful condition with clean lenses and remarkable documented provenance. It is also the very first Tessar 4.5/50 cm among the very few listed by Hartmut Thiele. Provenance: Deutsches Fotomuseum, Markkleeberg German: An exceptionally large, early Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar in a black-lacquered brass mount with an iris diaphragm and the engraving “DRP 142294.” The tube bears the distinctive contemporary ownership engraving “Dr. Demmering, Glauchau.” Dr. Walter Demmering (1872–1940), an industrialist and astronomer, built a private observatory behind his home at Wettiner Straße 4 in Glauchau in 1907. Contemporary sources document several optical and astronomical instruments at this observatory. The 500mm lens may have been used for large-format scientific or astronomical photography. An extremely rare, large, early Tessar in top condition with clean lenses and a remarkably well-documented provenance. According to Hartmut Thiele, it is also the very first of only a few recorded 4.5/50-cm Tessars. Provenance: German Museum of Photography, Markkleeberg.