Antique E.Leitz Wetzlar Student Microscope

Fine example of a high quality antique microscope in a fitted wooden case, complete with 2 objective lenses and two eyepiece lenses. The microscope itself is made of brass and stands on a heavy cast base painted black. The eyepiece tube can be manually adjusted to provide the coarse focus and there is an additional screw at the back of the microscope which provides the fine focus.

It has a square stage and a mirror below the stage to direct the light. There is a rotating dial directly below the stage with various sized circles cut out of it which can widen or narrow the window of light that shines onto the subject.

The microscope measures approximately 11" tall. It is signed on the front of the tube E.Leitz Wetzalr and also with the serial number 94198. This number corresponds to the paper inside the box. The microscope has two objective lenses in their original leather case, a number 3 and a number 7 and one comes with a protective brass end cap. There are two eyepiece lenses, a number 1 and a later one marked 4 x10 EL270.

The microscope 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 light clean but they produced 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 comes in it a fitted wooden box with sections for the eyepiece lenses to fit in and velvet lined pads to hold the microscope in place. In the box is a receipt dated 1907. The box is approximately 12" long X 5 1/2" wide X 4 1/2" deep.

Overall the microscope is in good condition for its age and displays very nicely. It has been used and will have normal signs of wear. The brass is tarnished and the lacquer has worn slightly in places but nothing detrimental. It is also worth noting there are no slide clips. The box is sturdy with a nice aged patina however there is no key.