Bidspirit auction | Vintage McLoughlin Bros Spectrograph Set

Vintage McLoughlin Bros Spectrograph Set - Step back into the late 19th century with this remarkable antique ”Spectrograph or Optical Drawing Apparatus” manufactured by McLoughlin Bros. of New York. Designed as an early optical drawing aid, this vintage set uses a pane of glass and reflection principles to allow aspiring artists to trace and copy artwork, lithographs, and photographs. The complete assembly includes the original decorative paper-litho box with inner lid instructions, a wooden base with vertical glass supports, a pane of glass, glass plate negatives depicting architectural and religious subjects, numerous printed reference drawing cards featuring animals and figures, and hand-drawn tracing practice sheets. Displaying significant age-appropriate wear, the outer box exhibits edge splitting, surface rubbing, and corner loss, while the internal paper elements, drawings, and instruction labels show toning, creasing, and light foxing; the wooden base and glass components remain intact with expected surface patina. H 6”, W 7.25”, D 0.75”. Please see photos for condition. From the Allen Koenigsberg collection.