Antique Dissection Microscope Dixey Brighton

Fine example of a rare 19th Century brass microscope in a fitted wooden case. The microscope is made of lacquered brass and sits on a round weighted base. There is a small adjustable mirror fixed to the base which focuses the light up onto the specimens. The microscope has a coarse focus with an adjustment knob on the side of the tube which moves the stage up and down. It has a square stage with a circular hole in the middle and it comes with two glass slides. It also comes with the original brass tweezers.

There are three eyepieces which screw into the arm on the microscope. They are number 1,2 and 3 however 3 does not have a lens.

It comes in its original fitted box with sections on the sides to hold the lenses and tweezers and two slots for the glass slides. glass circles. The box is good quality with small brass catches on the front. It has a nice aged patina with some general signs of age and use and there have been some repairs towards the back of the lid (see photo). One of the pins on the latch has also been replaced at some point but overall the box is strong and sturdy and still displays very nicely. There is an original paper label for "Dixey Optician. 22 Kings Rd. Brighton" in the lid.

The microscope measures approximately 4" (10cm) tall. The box is a compact 5 1/2" wide X 2 1/2" high X 3 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 the brass has tarnished with age.