234 - Derogy, Paris | Petzval Portrait Lens

Derogy, Paris | Petzval Portrait Lens Estimate: €2,600–3,000 Year: c. 1870 Serial No.: 14511 Condition: B English: Large and impressive brass portrait lens of Petzval construction, engraved 'Derogy Fabt Breveté Paris & Londres', approx. 500 mm focal length, estimated maximum aperture f/5, overall height 28 cm. Derogy was one of the leading French manufacturers of photographic optics in the 19th century and produced several series of portrait lenses based on the Petzval principle. The dimensions and serial number of this lens fall well within the range of known large Derogy Petzval lenses. A Derogy No. 15934, engraved “Derogy Fabt Breveté, Paris & Londres,” measures 29.5 cm and has a focal length of approximately 600 mm; it was sold at WestLicht Auctions. A rare and substantial French Petzval portrait lens from the wet-plate era in fine, original condition with clean lenses and a slot for Waterhouse stops. German: Large, impressive brass portrait lens of Petzval design, engraved “Derogy Fabt Breveté Paris & Londres,” with a focal length of approximately 500 mm, an estimated aperture of f/5, and a total height of 28 cm. Derogy was one of the leading French manufacturers of photographic optics in the 19th century and produced several series of portrait lenses based on the Petzval principle. The lens’s dimensions and serial number align well with the numbering sequence of known large Derogy Petzval lenses. For comparison: A Derogy No. 15934 with a similar engraving, “Derogy Fabt Breveté, Paris & Londres,” is 29.5 cm tall, has a focal length of approximately 600 mm, and was sold at WestLicht Auctions. A rare and substantial French Petzval portrait lens from the collodion era, in beautiful original condition with clean lenses and a sliding aperture slit.