A fine example of a mid 19th Century brass Bar-Limb microscope in a fitted wooden case, complete with an eyepiece lens and 3 objective lenses. 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. There is also a revolving pinwheel and an arm for holding an additional magnifier or tweezers.
It comes with three objective lenses, one original and two later additions - a 1/16 oil imm by R&J Beck and a 1/12. A special case stored at the back of the box has been made to house the lenses. The microscope also comes with a live box which is stored in a small slide drawer in the box.
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 box which is good quality with a brass carrying handle and comes with its original key. There are some general signs of age and marks on the box and a split in the rear panel but it has developed a nice aged patina and is generally strong and sturdy. The box measures a compact 8 3/4" high X 7 1/2" wide X 6" deep.
