Watson & Son "Fram" Microscope · Atkins Library: Exhibits

Watson & Son "Fram" Microscope

Item

Title

Watson & Son "Fram" Microscope

Description

The compound microscope stands on a tripod base, which is similar to the design used in W. Watson's more expensive instruments. The tripod ends in two uprights connected to the trunnion joint with adjustments that were similar to many other Watson models such as the Edinburgh and Royal. The double-sided substage mirror is housed in lacquered brass casing and set in a gimbal. The substage mirror is a screw focusing substage condenser which is similar to the American and German models. The mechanical square stage has two stage clips, one of which is spring loaded. The stage is designed along the Nelson form with U-shape cut out. This form of stage was used on this design from 1898 through 1913. The stage attachment can be moved vertically and horizontally by the two thumbscrews on the side in order to adjust the specimen for observation. "W. Watson & Sons Ltd. London" is etched into the stage. On the base, "W. Watson & Son Ltd. 15036", "FRAM" and "313 High Holborn London." are etched into the surface. Coarse focus functions by diagonal rack and spiral pinion which is controlled by the thumbscrews on either side of the body-tube whilst the fine focus is via a long lever controlled from the thumbscrew located at the top edge of the rear part of the arm. The Fram was an attempt at a slightly smaller and less expensive option than the earlier Edinburgh stand. The wooden case is original to the microscope and has a compartment to hold the lenses which can slide out.

The microscope comes with the following accessories: 2 ocular lens marked "6X Ernst Leitz Wetzlar" and "X12 1/2". 1 objective lens with 2 brass canisters marked "3 E.Leitz Wetzlar" on both.

Condition:

Cosmetically: The instrument still has its original lacquer with isolated tarnishing on the brass and some scratches.

Optically: The lenses are clear and functional.

Mechanically: The microscope is functional.

Subject

Microscopes

Creator

W. Watson & Son

Source

Dean Reynold's Microscope Collection Powerpoint http://www.microscope-antiques.com/fram.html

Publisher

UNC Charlotte

Date

c. 1875-1925

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: 11 1/2" closed, 14 1/2" extended.
Case: 7 1/2" x 13 1/4" x 9"

Language

English

Type

Three-dimensional object

Identifier

090823

Coverage

313 High Holborn, London, England

Item sets

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