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'Cary-gould Type' Brass Pocket Microscope, London, C.1830
Sold by Harrington Antiques
sold SA1127298
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Harrington Antiques

Harrington Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2021
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'Cary-gould Type' Brass Pocket Microscope, London, C.1830

19th century
Sold 6 March 2025 · Harrington Antiques
This “'Cary-gould Type' Brass Pocket Microscope, London, C.1830” found a buyer.

It was listed by Harrington Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Antique OpticsBrass MicroscopeCuriosity Cabinet Object Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

A 'Cary-Gould Type' pocket microscope, London, c.1830. Engraved 'Cary, London'.

William Cary was a well known London instrument maker who had been apprenticed to Jesse Ramsden (1735-1800). One of Cary's men, Charles Gould, designed a pocket microscope in the 1820s to satisfy the wave of interest in natural history.

The microscope arises from the shaft which is screwed into the top of the box when closed. All the elements are lacquered brass. The shaft is signed ‘Cary London’ and functions as a rack and pinion focussing to the stage. All parts of the microscope unscrew with ease to be stored within the mahogany box.

There are a few accessory elements absent from the original set, such as the slides, however the core elements remain to the set. 

Dimensions (of box):-

Width: 12.75cm

Depth: 11.25cm

Height: 3.5cm

DELIVERY

UK Mainland: FREE

International Delivery: Please contact us for a shipping quote.

Date of Manufacture

Harrington Antiques has dated this Antique Brass Microscope to the Regency era.

Physical Dimensions
Height
3.5cm (1.38")
Width
12.8cm (5.04")
Depth
11.2cm (4.41")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1127298
Dealers Internal Reference
7787
Dealers Notes

PAYMENT

We accept payment via debit card, credit card, Paypal, bank transfer or cheque. We also offer a 'Pay In 3' payment service through our website.

RETURNS

We are sure that you will be delighted with your purchase. Nonetheless, to ensure you have complete peace of mind, we offer a 14 day money back guarantee.

The purchased item may be returned, in its original condition, within 14 days from receipt. Return carriage costs are the responsibility of the buyer. For larger pieces requiring a specialist courier service, we will arrange your return for you with the cost being deducted from the refund (this cost will never exceed the original charge paid).

We ask that a trackable signature method of shipping is used for the return of smaller items as we cannot be held responsible for items lost in transit.

Should you have any queries at all, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Description
A 'Cary-Gould Type' pocket microscope, London, c.1830. Engraved 'Cary, London'.
“
William Cary was a well known London instrument maker who had been apprenticed to Jesse Ramsden (1735-1800).
Harrington Antiques

One of Cary's men, Charles Gould, designed a pocket microscope in the 1820s to satisfy the wave of interest in natural history.

fig 1. A close-up studio shot of an antique brass Cary-Gould type pocket microscope mounted on its fitted wooden box against a dark background.
fig 1. 'Cary-gould Type' Brass Pocket Microscope, London, C.1830

The microscope arises from the shaft which is screwed into the top of the box when closed. All the elements are lacquered brass. The shaft is signed ‘Cary London’ and functions as a rack and pinion focussing to the stage. All parts of the microscope unscrew with ease to be stored within the mahogany box.

fig 2. A close-up studio shot of an antique brass Cary-Gould type pocket microscope mounted on its fitted wooden box against a dark background.
fig 2. 'Cary-gould Type' Brass Pocket Microscope, London, C.1830

There are a few accessory elements absent from the original set, such as the slides, however the core elements remain to the set. 

Dimensions (of box):-

Width: 12.75cm

Depth: 11.25cm

Height: 3.5cm

DELIVERY

UK Mainland: FREE

International Delivery: Please contact us for a shipping quote.

Date of Manufacture

Harrington Antiques has dated this Antique Brass Microscope to the Regency era.

Height
3.5cm (1.38")
Width
12.8cm (5.04")
Depth
11.2cm (4.41")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1127298
Dealers Internal Ref
7787
Harrington Antiques
Harrington Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2021

Antiques & decorative interior pieces.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Harrington Antiques Profile Page

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SAVE
A close-up studio shot of an antique brass Cary-Gould type pocket microscope mounted on its fitted wooden box against a dark background. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 11
Archive I A close-up studio shot of an antique brass Cary-Gould type pocket microscope mounted on its fitted wooden box against a dark background. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

'Cary-gould Type' Brass Pocket Microscope, London, C.1830

Archive II A close-up studio shot of an antique brass Cary-Gould type pocket microscope mounted on its fitted wooden box against a dark background. View II
Archive III A close-up studio shot of an antique brass Cary-Gould type pocket microscope mounted on its fitted wooden box against a dark background. View III
Archive IV A close-up studio shot of an antique brass Cary-Gould type pocket microscope mounted on its fitted wooden box against a dark background. View IV
Archive V A close-up studio shot of an antique brass Cary-Gould type pocket microscope mounted on its fitted wooden box against a dark background. View V
Archive VI A close-up studio shot of an antique brass Cary-Gould type pocket microscope mounted on its fitted wooden box against a dark background. View VI
Archive VII A close-up studio shot of an antique brass Cary-Gould type pocket microscope mounted on its fitted wooden box against a dark background. View VII
Archive VIII A close-up studio shot of an antique brass Cary-Gould type pocket microscope mounted on its fitted wooden box against a dark background. View VIII
Archive IX A close-up studio shot of an antique brass Cary-Gould type pocket microscope mounted on its fitted wooden box against a dark background. View IX
Archive X A close-up studio shot of an antique brass Cary-Gould type pocket microscope mounted on its fitted wooden box against a dark background. View X
Archive XI A close-up studio shot of an antique brass Cary-Gould type pocket microscope mounted on its fitted wooden box against a dark background. View XI
Enlarged Archival View
Harrington Antiques

Harrington Antiques
Telephone 07552 767190
Location
Devon
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/harringtonantiques
Verified Since Mar 2021
Items For Sale 65
Items Sold 868
Harrington Antiques
Harrington Antiques
Verified Since Mar 2021
View Dealer Info
Location: Devon, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/harringtonantiques
Verified
Mar 2021
For Sale
65
Sold
868
A close-up studio shot of an antique brass Cary-Gould type pocket microscope mounted on its fitted wooden box against a dark background.
'Cary-Gould Type' Brass Pocket Microscope, London, c.1830
Ref: SA1127298
A close-up studio shot of an antique brass Cary-Gould type pocket microscope mounted on its fitted wooden box against a dark background.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectScientific Instruments
  • Period19th century
  • StyleGeorgian / Regency
  • MaterialBrass, Mahogany
  • ColourWarm Gold
  • MotifsPolished brass finish, Rack and pinion focus, Fitted wooden base, Adjustable mirror
  • SizeH 3.5 cm (1 in) x W 12.8 cm (5 in) x D 11.2 cm (4 in)

FAQs

The Cary-Gould microscope is a portable nineteenth-century design featuring a pillar and optics that pack neatly into a fitted wooden box, combining convenience with scientific utility.

These instruments were typically fabricated from polished brass components for the optical tube and mechanical stages, mounted onto fitted timber storage boxes made from woods such as mahogany.

Authentic period pieces exhibit hand-turned brass components, natural patination, threaded fittings characteristic of historical manufacturing methods, and optical lenses crafted from period glass.

Positioning the piece on a desk, bookshelf, or display surface creates a focal point that highlights historical craftsmanship within a curated interior scheme.

Preservation requires dusting with a soft, dry cloth and avoiding chemical polishes to protect the historical patina that accumulates on the metal surfaces over time.
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