Antique Bar Limb Microscope

Circa 1850

Fine example of a mid 19th Century brass microscope in a fitted wooden case, complete with an eyepiece lens, objective lens and all of its original accessories. The microscope is made of lacquered brass on a Y-shaped foot. It tilts, has a rack and pinion main focus and additional fine focus on the side of the tube. It has a square stage with a movable slide rest and below the stage is a large adjustable mirror.

It comes with a brass objective lens in a matching case and a good quality eyepiece lens. It comes with a small pair of brass tweezers, a live box and a bullseye magnifying lens on stand for focussing the light source.

The microscope appears to be in good working order and I have set it up and tested it with a few old slides (see photo). I'm sure the lenses would probably benefit from a clean but they produce a clear and bright image all the same and the microscope was easy to focus.

The microscope is in good condition for its age. It has been well used and will have normal signs of wear so please don't expect it to be like new. There is a small chip on the glass cover of the live box and there are some small knocks and light scratches on the base and some tarnishing on the brass. The lenses have small specks of dirt on and although in working order it is really being sold as a decorative / collectors item rather than a scientific instrument. The microscope has been cleaned and lightly polished and it displays beautifully.

It comes in its original fitted case with sections to hold the lenses, eyepiece tube and all accessories. There is also a pull out drawer for holding slides and items. The box is good quality with a brass carrying handle and comes with its original key. There are some general signs of age and light marks on the box but it has developed a nice aged patina. The box measures a compact 10" high X 7" wide X 6" deep.