Antique Brass Baker Dissecting Microscope

Antique Dissecting Microscope by Baker

Fine example of a rare mid 19th Century brass microscope in a fitted wooden case. The microscope is made of lacquered brass and sits on a round weighted base signed with the maker's name " Baker. 244 High Holborn. London". There is a large adjustable mirror fixed to the base which focuses the light up onto the specimens. The microscope has a rack and pinion coarse focus with an adjustment knob on the side of the microscope. The eyepiece tube comes in two parts which screw together and sit in the round holder on the arm above the stage. It has a square brass stage with a circular hole in the middle for placing glass circles in. It comes with two of the glass circles and two additional concave dishes. The microscope also comes with a brass slide holder with slide clips which fits on over the stage and allows for viewing conventional microscope slides. There is also an additional eyepiece that has been made at a later date to fit the arm.

It comes in its original fitted case with sections on the sides to hold the glass circles. There is also a pull out tray for storing the eyepiece tube and various accessories. The box is good quality with a brass carrying handle and its original working lock and key. It has a nice aged patina with some general signs of age and use. Some of the screws in the hinges have been changed at some point. There are some chips on the wood at the bottom of the drawer and some splits on the back panel but the box is strong and sturdy and still displays very nicely.

The microscope measures approximately 9" tall plus further extension. The box is a compact 8" high X 5 1/2" wide X 5 1/2" deep.

It appears to be in good working order and I have set it up and tested it with a few old slides. 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. Although in working order it is really being sold as a decorative / collectors item rather than an accurate scientific instrument.

The microscope is in good condition for its age and the brass has been cleaned and lightly polished to retain its aged patina. It has been well used and will have normal signs of wear so please don't expect it to be like new. There are some small knocks and light scratches on the base and some small dinks around the end of the objective lens. A screw on the plate at the back of the microscope has been changed at some point. There is obviously only one focus knob, whether there should be two I honestly couldn't say. There are no obvious signs of breakage or damage but please judge for yourself, I have seen similar models with two and with just one.