Items

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  Bausch & Lomb Universal Microscope

  The universial microscope is made from brass and stands on a flat tripod foot. The limb is split into two by an inclination joint that allows the microscope to be angled for observation. The circular stage is missing its two stage clips which would hold the specimen in place. The monocular microscope has a substage aperture iris diaphragm which can be rotated to adjust the aperture. The arm of the mirror and condenser can be slotted into each other and are connected to a circular joint next to the stage which allows them both to be rotated. However, the microscope is missing its substage mirror and the two arms do not seem to slot into one another as they should. The coarse focusing functions via a rack and pinion mechanism which is controlled by the large thumbscrew on the side of the body tube. Fine focus is controlled by the small thumbscrew located on top of the limb. The microscope is signed "PAT. OCT. 3, 1876, PAT. OCT. 13, 1885" on the side of the pillar and "Bausch & Lomb Optical Co." on the stage. The mahogany case has a brass carry handle and is secured by a lock and key; however, the key is not present with the instrument. The case has an interior draw that holds the slides and accessories. The interior also has compartments for the objectives and ocular lenses, with the top compartment lined with blue velvet. 
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  "Cary-Gould Style" Compound Microscope

  The Gould-Cary style microscope — when assembled — is case mounted and the pillar screws into the top of the case. The substage mirror is connected via a gimbal and pin which allows for maneuvering to catch the light as well as easy removal from the microscope. The square fixed stage has a small bullseye condenser and specimen clip attached via a pin. The body-tube and objective lenses are attached via a screwing mechanism and can then be attached to the arm. Coarse focusing is controlled by the thumbscrew located next to the stage and uses a rack and pinion mechanism. The mahogany case is fitted and has compartments for the dissembled parts of the microscope. The interior of the lid is lined with blue velvet and the compartments are made from wood. The case is secured by two brass swivel hooks at the front of the case.
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  J.B. Dancer Binocular Microscope

  Manufactured by the "Committee of the Society" — now known as the Manchester Microscopical Society (RMS) — the microscope was designed according to Dancer's 1873 catalog. The microscope is a portable Wenham binocular instrument which is built on a Ross-bar style limb with the Wenham prism mounted into the body-tube, which holds the RMS standard objectives. The design was offered with either rack and pinion coarse focus or chain drive and this microscope coarse focusing functions via chain drive which is not currently working. Inter-ocular separation is by a simple (lightweight) lever mechanism, and the plain stage has a slide bar to hold and maneuver the specimen. The stage has a central hole threaded to take sub-stage accessories. Below the stage is a plano-concave mirror. The microscope is signed on the foot “J.B. Dancer Manchester” and is numbered “50.” Original mahogany box has original key and comprises of two inner pull out drawers. Inside the door is a Paper Label stating: '' PRIZE MEDAL 1862. J. B. DANCER, OPTICIAN, MANCHESTER, Inventor of Microscopic Photographs, manufacturer of all kinds of Optical and Mathematical Instruments, Binocular Achromatic Microscopes, Rifle Telescopes, Field Glasses, Achromatic Telescopes, &c., &c. By appointment to Her Majesty's Commissioners '' with two Motifs.
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  Cary-Gould style Microscope

  The monocular microscope is designed along the Cary-Gould style and mounted on the top of the orginal mahogany case. The compound microscope can be dissembled to fit into the fitted case. The limb is connected to an inclination joint that allows for the microscope to be angled for observation. The square fixed stage has two stage clips connected by pins and are detachable. The body-tube and objective are screwed into each other which is then screwed into the circular arm. The circular arm has a small bullseye condenser connected via a gimbal limb which makes it easy to maneuver. Coarse focusing functions via the sliding mechanism of the stage. The case has compartments lined with velvet to hold the different components of the microscope. The majority of the case has a wooden interior and the case is secured by two brass swing hooks.
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  R & J Beck Educational Microscope

  The compound microscope has a japanned claw-foot base and limb. The limb and body tube are connected by a trunnion joint that allows the microscope to angle when observing a specimen. The body tube, square stage and mirror fixture are made from brass. The body tube is connected to the curved limb, with the coarse focus controlled by a rack and pinion mechanism via a thumbscrew located at the side of the body tube. The microscope also has fine focus which is controlled by a thumbscrew on the front of the body tube. Underneath the fixed stage is a rotating iris diaphragm with 3 apertures. The substage mirror is connected via a gimbal attachment and rotates. The original case has a draw for accessories and a compartment for an objective canister. The case is made from mahogany and is secured by a lock and key, however, the key is not present with the microscope.
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  Society of Arts-Style Compound Microscope

  The monocular microscope has a Ross Y-shaped foot which is secured to a mahogany platform. The compound microscope is made of brass. The one-sided sub-stage mirror is attached to the bottom of the limb by a gimbal joint that allows it to be maneuvered to catch the light. Coarse focusing is achieved by a rack and pinion mechanism which is controlled by a thumbscrew at the side of the limb. The small thumbscrew at the back of the body-tube by the nose piece controls the fine focusing. The square fixed stage does not seem to have any means of securing specimens. The substage iris diaphragm that can be adjusted by rotating the disk. This microscope design followed the 1854 Society of Arts pattern. The fitted, solid mahogany case has brass hinge and handle. The lock is missing and the door is slightly warped. There are shrinkage cracks to the rear panel.
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  Cary-Gould Pocket Microscope

  The compound microscope is signed by "Cary of London" on the pillar and is made from brass. The microscope can be dissembled to fit into its small, fitted case. The pillar of the microscope is screwed into the front interior of the case. The gimbaled one-sided substage mirror is attached via a pin to the bottom of the pillar. The arm can be secured to the top of the pillar by sliding it into an attachment. Similarly to the substage mirror, the circular stage is attached via a pin into an attachment on the pillar. The fixed stage also has a section for dissecting forceps; however, only the hinge is present with the instrument. The attachment controls the coarse focusing by rack and pinion via a thumbscrew on the side of the microscope. The objective lenses screw into the bottom of the body-tube which is then screwed into the arm of the microscope.The arm was manufactured by UNC Charlotte College of Engineering on March 15, 2010. The mahogany case contains compartments that hold the dissembled parts of the microscope. The interior of the case is lined with worn, purple velvet. Two swinging brass hooks secure the case. 
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  Monocular Compound Microscope

  The compound microscope is made from lacquered brass and the Y-shaped foot is permanently attached to a mahogany platform. The monocular microscope has a mechanical stage which can be adjusted along a X and Y axis via two thumbscrews. One of the thumbscrews moves the stage horizontally; however, the vertical adjustment no longer works due to a hole in the adjustment gear. The coarse focusing is achieved via a rack and pinion mechanism which moves the body-tube closer or further away from the fixed square stage. Fine focusing functions via a thumbscrew located at the bottom of the body-tube. The stage has two holes on either side of the corners which can hold accessories such as stage forceps or bullseye condenser, however, no accessories come with the microscope. The sub-stage concave mirror is one-sided and is attached to the pillar. The style of the microscope is similar to the Robert Fields' 1855 Society of the Arts winning design. The fitted mahogany case is original to the microscope, which has a brass carry handle on the top of the case. The interior has 5 circular sections to hold the objectives and ocular lenses that come with the microscope. There is a small draw located in the top of the interior which holds slides. The keyhole escutcheon matches that of other Beck microscope images, so it may be by produced by R & J Beck.
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  R & J Beck Compound Microscope

  The R & J Beck's compound microscope is made from lacquered brass with a continental horseshoe base which is solid brass and has etched "R & J. Beck. Ltd London 26669" into the back of the base. On one of the sides of the base, "WILLIAMS BROWN & EARLE PHILADELPHIA" is etched into the foot. The substage double-sided mirror — which includes a concave side — is attached via a gimbal arm to a swinging tailpiece that is connected to the pillar. The square, mechanical stage is painted black and has two metal clips to secure a specimen. There are two holes on both corners of the stage in which accessories such as stage forceps can be attached. However, there are not any stage accessories with this microscope. There is also a substage iris diaphragm that can be adjusted via a lever on the outside. The coarse focusing functions via a rack and pinion mechanism which moves the body tube closer or further away from the fixed stage. The fine focusing mechanism is controlled by a thumbscrew located at the top of the pillar. The fitted case is original to the microscope and has compartments on the inside of the door that hold the objectives and ocular lenses. The case has a brass carry handle on top of the microscope and the case is secured with a lock; however, there is not a key with the microscope.
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  Charles Baker Compound Microscope

  The compound microscope is made from lacquered brass. The microscope is supported by a straight-legged tripod with the substage double-sided mirror connected to the pillar in between the legs of the tripod. The substage plano-concave mirror is secured to a gimbal support which allows for adjustment to catch the light. The circular stage can be rotated and has two brass spring clips which hold the specimen in place for observation. There is also an Abbe substage condenser which has an adjustable iris diaphragm which can be altered with a lever along its side. The coarse focusing functions via a rack and pinion mechanism which moves the body-tube closer or further away from the fixed stage. The fine focusing mechanism is controlled by a thumbscrew located at the top of the pillar. The pillar has the words "Baker, 244 High Holborn, London." etched into the brass. The microscope comes with its original mahogany case and has interior compartments for the accessories and separate bullseye condenser. The case has a brass carry handle located on its top and the lock is still fitted; however, a key did not come with the microscope.
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  J. Swift & Sons Histological Compound Microscope

  The compound microscope is signed "J. Swift & Son. London. Patent 24960" on the base and the initial design was for Histology (the study of tissues.) The serial number "1275" is shown on Traviss-type mechanical stage. The base has four legs, with the back two on a swivel hinge so that it can collapse to fit inside the case. The draw-tube has a triple objective nose piece that revolves when needed. Coarse focusing functions via a rack and pinion mechanism that moves the body-tube closer or further from the mechanical stage. The thumbscrew on the top of the limb controls the fine focusing. The square stage measures 3.75" with engraved grid on surface. The stage has a sliding mechanism to position and secure the specimen. The sub-stage Abbe condenser has a iris diaphragm that functions via a rack & pinion vertical adjust. The dia plano-concave mirror is fixed onto a universal mount. The microscope comes with a fitted mahogany case with brass key and fittings. The interior of the case has compartments to hold the objectives and parts of the dismantled microscope.
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  Charles Baker "Ross Type" Microscope

  The Charles Baker compound microscope comes with the original mahogany case. The brass microscope can be dissembled to fit into the case. The body tube and arm are secured via a thumbscrew to the mahogany platform which is fixed to the claw-footed base of the microscope. The lacquered brass foot has "BAKER, 244 High Holborn, LONDON" carved into it. The body tube and arm can then be attached via a screw to the pillar of the microscope. The fixed square stage is attached to the pillar and has a square fixture that can be horizontal to adjust the specimen. There is a substage revolving diaphragms that can be removed via a sliding mechanism. Coarse focusing functions via a rack and pinion mechanism and fine focusing is operated via thumbscrew found on the arm. The substage, one-sided mirror is permanently attached to the pillar of the microscope via a gimbal. The mahogany case is farcened with a brass lock which is no longer present on the case with the escutcheon missing. The wooden fitting that would originally have held the two objectives in the case is half missing and so the accessories are now being held in the draw located at the bottom of the case. The draw has a brass pull loop to open and close it. The case also has a brass handle at the top that is used to carry the case.
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  Drum Compound Microscope

  The drum compound microscope is made of brass. The style was manufactured in France, Germany and England and sold throughout the United States and Europe. Many of the microscopes manufactured using this design were unsigned due to the huge quantities sold by various makers. The microscope consists of a body-tube suspended by a tubular base above a circular specimen platform. Coarse focus functions by moving the body-tube closer or further away from the specimen platform via a sliding mechanism operated by a thumbscrew. There is also a concave sub-stage mirror located at the bottom of the microscope. The "coffin-style" mahogany case has compartments for the microscope, slides and accessories. There was a small, decorative plaque on the top of the lid, however, it is no longer attached to the case. The case is secured via a lock and key; however, the key is not present with the microscope.
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  Simple "West Patent London" Microscope

  Many simple microscopes were made around the 19th century to the style of the "Society of Arts" Prize Pattern. Many used this design to create affordable microscopes, therefore very few were signed by the creator and the design differed depending on the manufacturer. The "Cary-Gould" style, simple microscope is made from lacquered brass and is case-mounted onto a fitted mahogany case. The pillar screws into the top of the lid which is permanently attached to the circular stage and arm. The objective lens can be used separately — to work as a simple microscope — or used together to function as a compound microscope. The sub-stage mirror is attached via a pin into the lower part of the pillar. The dissecting pin is attached via a pin to the stage. The mahogany fitted case is secured by two brass hooks on either side of the case. The interior of the case is lined with blue velvet and is organized into compartments to fit the disassembled microscope.
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  Botanical "School" Microscope

  The botanical entomological microscope consists of a brass tubular pillar stand that screws into the lid of the wooden case. At the top of the pillar is a fixed arm that holds the three stacking objectives that can be used together or individually. The round black stage with slide clips elevates up and down the pillar manually simply by lifting it up and down the pillar as desired. The gimbaled sub-stage mirror is attached to the lower pillar. The design was often called a "School Microscope" because it could be used for educational purposes such as particular examination of botanical specimens, small insects or insect parts, water fleas and other objects that could be readily collected and examined. This instrument is an English import and follows the design of the Society of Arts School Microscope of the 1855 time period. The design is similar to the earlier model of the Ellis Aquatic microscopes. It was also considered an inexpensive, simple microscope and became a popular model. The wooden case is secured by two swinging brass hooks.
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  White and Barr Microscope

  The compound monocular microscope is made from lacquered brass and mounted on trunnions. The microscope has a Y-shaped base which is mounted on a wooden platform. The microscope has coarse focusing via rack and pinion which is controlled by a thumbscrew located on the side of the support pillar. The support pillar is connected to the body-tube and the square stage is fixed. A polarizer is screwed into the bottom of the stage; however, there is no substage mirror present on the microscope. The fitted mahogany case has a brass carry handle. The two interior accessories drawers have ivory handles and there are two circular wooden cutouts to hold the objective canisters. The case has a functional lock but no key is present with the microscope.
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  Drum Compound Microscope

  The drum compound is made of lacquered brass. This style was manufactured in France, Germany and England and sold throughout the United States and Europe. Many of the microscopes manufactured using this design were unsigned due to the huge quantities sold by various makers. The microscope consists of a body tube suspended by a tubular base above a circular specimen platform. Coarse focusing is achieved via a sliding mechanism in which the body tube is moved closer or further away from the specimen platform. A bullseye condenser is attached to the front of the microscope which can be adjusted via the double-jointed arm. There is also a concave substage mirror located in the bottom of the microscope, which can be seen through a square cut out. The mirror can be adjusted by thumbscrews on either side of the microscope, however, the mirror is detached on one side. The "coffin-style" wooden case has compartment for the microscope and slides. The case is secured with two swing hooks.
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  "Cary-Gould style" Field Microscope

  The field microscope is made of brass and case-mounted onto a mahogany case which acts as the base. The pillar is secured into the lid of the case via a screw attachment at the bottom of the pillar. The stage is permanently attached to the pillar and coarse focusing functions by a rack and pinion which moves the stage closer or further from the objective. The arm is attached by sliding it into the top section of the pillar where it is secured by a thumbscrew. The objective lens are screwed directly into the end of the body-tube which can then be screwed into the arm. The stage has two clips that hold the specimen by placing the slide between the clip and the square stage. The sub-stage mirror is attached via a pin into the pillar. The mahogany fitted case has some marks and stains. The inside of the case is lined with blue velvet and has compartments to fit the dissembled microscope and accessories. The case is secured by two brass swing hooks on the sides.
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  "Cary & Gould" style Microscope

  The "Cary-Gould type" microscope is a common variation of the design. The design came in three sizes and this microscope is considered a "medium." The microscope has a support pillar that screws into the top of the lid. The body-tube is screwed into the arm of the pillar. This design also allows for the microscope to used as a simple microscope by screwing the objectives directly into the arm. The coarse focusing functions via a rack and pinion mechanism which moves the circular stage closer and further away from the objective lens. The circular stage has a under-stage sprung slot which holds the slide and the specimen forceps are attached via a pin. The sub-stage concave mirror is attached via a pin into the support pillar. The microscope can be used as both a compound and simple microscope depending on whether the body-tube or objectives are used respectively. The fitted mahogany case has purple velour-lined interior. The case is closed via two swing hooks, however, one is missing.
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  Cary-Gould style Simple Microscope

  The Cary-Gould style microscope is made of lacquered brass. The simple microscope has a circular support pillar that screws into the top of the case, which acts as the base. The coarse focusing is achieved by extending the arm higher or lower via a rack and pinion mechanism. The fixed stage is detachable to fit the microscope into the case and has two stage clips to secure the slides. Unusually, the microscope does not have a substage mirror. The mahogany case is fitted to hold the instrument. The case has sections to hold various accessories, and the inside of the lid is lined with purple velvet. The top of the lid has a brass fixture for the pillar to screw into. The case is secured with two swing clips.
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  Bausch & Lomb Microscope

  The monocular compound microscope has a tripod base with the arm and stage in a cradle joint. The stage revolves, and has two indexed swinging arms below the stage. These arms are dovetailed for the substage condenser, which has a wheel of stops and a swing out holder for a dark field disk (which is present,) and for the concave mirror, which can swing below or above the stage. It has a single nosepiece and on the arm, below the focus knobs, are the patent dates for October 1876 and October 1885. "Bausch & Lomb Optical Co" is engraved on the revolving stage. The microscope has a single draw tube which is nickel plated. This microscope is very similar to number 170 in Billings Collection, noting that it has a single nosepiece and a single draw tube. The case is in serviceable condition, but shows the signs of extensive use. There are cracks on the back, the bottom has a crude repair on the front under the door. The lock is complete and seems to be functional, but the locking tab has been removed from the door and a swinging home made latch secures the door closed instead. The key is present in the drawer in the case. The top handle is missing and there is a picture of a dignified man on a Tennessee Walking Horse pasted on the back inside of the case.
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  William Watson & Sons Microscope

  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.
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  "Cary-Gould type" Pocket Microscope

  The small case-mounted Cary-Gould style microscope can be fully dissembled to fit into the case. The limb of the compound microscope is permanently connected to the inside of the case. The substage mirror can be attached via pin to the limb. The circular stage is attached to the rack and pinion compartment by a pin and can be focused by moving the stage via the small thumbscrew. The body-tube can be screwed into the arm on the top of limb and is held in place by screwing the objective into the underside of the body-tube attachment. The original fitted mahogany case has a small brass plaque mounted on the top. The case is lined with green velvet and is separated into compartments for the microscope to dissemble and fit.
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  Charles Baker Compound Microscope

  The brass, compound microscope was designed by the Ross pattern with a Y-shaped foot screwed to a mahogany board which slides into the case. The stand is the Baker #2 stand advertised in 1862. The coarse focusing is operated by rack work and fine focusing by thumb-wheel on the nose-piece. The circular stage has a centering bar that slides along the stage for positioning the specimen. Below the stage is an adjustable Abbe condenser that moves with its own rack work and adjusting thumb screws. The condenser has a slide out holder for filters and the substage mirror is concave and one sided. The microscope has three eye-pieces of different magnification and is signed on the foot "Baker, 244 High Holborn, London." The mahogany case is fitted and has compartments to hold the objectives and slides.
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  Marratt & Short Compound Microscope

  Marratt & Short compound brass microscope is mounted on a wooden platform. The monocular microscope is signed on the stand "MARRATT & SHORT 63 King Willm Str. LONDON BRIDGE". Marratt & Short were opticians who offered sight testing and constructed artificial eyes as well as scientific instruments. The microscope has a Y-shaped foot, which stands on a wooden platform. The substage mirror is concave and attached to the lower limb of the microscope. The body-tube screws into an attachment on the top of the limb. The microscope focuses via a rack and pinion adjustment, operated by thumb screws on either side of the limb. The stage has a slide holder that can be adjusted via sliding. The microscope can be dissembled to fit inside the case. The mahogany case has a brass carrying handle, working key and lock, and interior slide drawers.