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A good quality mid-19th century brass monocular microscope with accessories in a fitted mahogany case c1850. The microscope is of lacquered brass with bar-limb construction introduced by Andrew Ross in 1842 and used by other makers such as Watson and Cary in the 1840s and 1850s. The limb which pivots on the base columns holds the rack and pinion mechanism for coarse focusing. Fine focusing is by a smaller wheel attached to the body tube. Also attached to the limb is the square stage which has lateral movement on two planes (each controlled by a wheel) and is thus capable of circular motion. Stage has a rail to support specimen slides and locators for attaching stage forceps. Sub-stage there is a black wheel with four apertures to adjust light to the specimen. Fully adjustable concave mirror attached to the limb below. Y-shaped tripod base attached to a fitted mahogany board which slides into and is retained within the case. Two eyepieces and two objective lenses (in canisters) held in a rack to the left of the fitted case. To the right of the case is held the stage forceps and an aquatic container. The rear of the case holds the bullseye magnifying lens on stand (dissembled) used for focussing the light source. The top of the fitted case also holds a small, fitted drawer with bone pull-handle holding seven prepared microscope slides. All within a dovetailed mahogany case with fold-down brass handle. Hinged door with brass escutcheon and original working lock and key. Case measures 34.5 cm in height, 18.5 cm in width and 15 cm in depth.

Mid 19th Century Cased Brass Bar-Limb Microscope with Magnifier c1850

SKU: MS149
£0.00Price
  • This cased microscope is in overall excellent condition commensurate with age and use. Optics are in very good working order. All adjustment wheels function smoothly. The microscope retains its original lacquer which has some surface tarnish marks as seen in images. Accessories in very good order. Fitted case is excellent condition with minor knocks and marks externally as would be expected. Please see images as these form an important part of the description.

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