William Watson & Sons Microscope · Atkins Library: Exhibits

William Watson & Sons Microscope

Item

Title

William Watson & Sons Microscope

Description

The microscope is a "Edinburgh Model C" with mechanically stage. The microscope is engraved in block letters on the foot "W. Watson & Sons, 313 High Holborn, London." There is also a serial number "2754" on the side of the base. In addition, it includes a brass plaque attached to the foot, which reads as follows, “PRESENTED TO William Anstey BY HIS MOTHER, BROTHERS & SISTERS. In loving recognition of his untiring devotion TO THE WELFARE OF THE FAMILY, MARCH 1892.” Due to the fact that Watson did not take on this name for the firm until the year 1908, it would appear that the stage was added to this microscope as an accessory sometime after that year. A heavy solid Japanned brass Y-shaped foot supports a solid brass pillar at the top of which is a movable joint that joins the pillar to the stage, which in turn supports the limb of the microscope. This joint just below the stage allows the microscope to be tilted to any comfortable angle for viewing. It has a rack and pinion main focusing system and a thumb wheel micrometer fine focusing system via a spring-loaded lever system extending through the limb. Atop the main stage is a supplemental mechanical stage with dual thumb wheel “X –Y” controls extending to the side. The stage is engraved with the inscription, “W. Watson & Sons, Ltd., London”. The body-tube includes a draw-tube, which is engraved with various tube settings. An eyepiece (unmarked as to magnifying power) is found at the top of the body-tube. Under the stage is a swing-out brass housing for a condenser, but no condenser is present. Also under the stage is an adjustable stem with a nice adjustable plano-concave mirror. The mahogany case is of dovetail construction and is equipped with a brass carrying handle at the top. It accommodates the microscope and there is a wood rack inside the right side of the case that nicely accommodates the mechanical stage.

The microscope comes with the following accessories: 1 unsigned objective and 1 eyepiece.

Condition:

Cosmetically: The lacquered brass is stained from age and use. The substage mirror is in good condition with minimal stains.

Optically: The lenses are clear and functional.

Mechanically: The hinges are stiff and need some force to move. The microscope is still functional.

Subject

Microscopes

Creator

William Watson & Sons

Source

Dean Reynolds Microscope Collection Powerpoint.

Publisher

UNC Charlotte

Date

c. 1892

Contributor

Laura Burgess

Rights

Texts and images from this collection may not be used for any commercial purpose without prior permission from the Graduate Office, UNC Charlotte.

Relation

N/A

Format

Microscope: 12" closed, 17.5" extended
Case: 13 1/2" x 7 1/2" x 8 1/4"

Language

N/A

Type

Three-dimensional object

Identifier

101223

Coverage

313 High Holborn, London, England

Item sets

Tags

William Watson Sons