Fine example of a mid 19th Century brass microscope in a fitted wooden case, complete with an eyepiece lens, objective lens and many 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 rear of the tube. It has a square stage with a movable slide rest and below the stage is a large adjustable mirror. It is signed on the rear foot with the maker's name "J.H.Steward. 457 West Strand. London"
It comes with a brass objective lens and a good quality eyepiece lens. It also comes with a live box, a pair of tweezers and a pair of grips for holding larger specimens.
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 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 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 accessories. The box is good quality with a brass carrying handle and comes with its original key. It has a label on the top of the box for "H.Hughes & Son Opticians. 59 Fenchurch St London".
There are some general signs of age, light marks and old splits but no major damages and it has developed a nice aged patina. The box measures a compact 9" high X 7" wide X 6" deep.
