Early Antique Brass Drum Microscope

Good example of a high quality mid-19th Century drum microscope in it's original fitted wooden case, complete with an array of lenses and accessories.

The microscope itself is made of brass and is a typical upright design with a tubular body and a coarse focus rack and pinion knob on the side. It has a circular brass stage and a mirror below to direct the light. There are no maker's details anywhere on the microscope but it is typical of mid-19th Century English design microscopes. It measures approximately 10" (26cm) high and the base diameter is 2 1/2" (6.5cm).

There are 6 brass objective lenses in total, each numbered 1-6. However number 3 appears to not have any end glass and the glass on 6 is cracked. It has an eyepiece built into the tube. It also comes with a closed live box, a white disc for the stage, a further live well and a glass cover.

The microscope comes in a fitted velvet lined wooden box with sections for the accessories and a small drawer. The box is sturdy and in good condition with a nice aged patina. It measures approximately 11" long X 6" wide X 3 1/4" deep.

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 clean but they produced a clear image all the same and the microscope was easy to focus.

Overall the microscope is in good condition for its age. It has been used and will have normal signs of wear. The brass is tarnished and the lacquer has worn in places but there are no major damages or dents and it displays well. Although i n working order it is really being sold as a decorative / collectors item rather than an accurate scientific instrument.