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R. & J. Beck, London, Binocular Microscope, “Improved National”, C.1880, in Original Mahogany Case
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria
for sale €1,463     $1,588
£1,250
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria

Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria

Sellingantiques Verified Since Nov 2020
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Id #SA1211900
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R. & J. Beck, London, Binocular Microscope, “Improved National”, C.1880, in Original Mahogany Case

19th century
Description

A late 19th-century brass binocular compound microscope by R. & J. Beck, the “Improved National” model, dating to circa 1880–1885.

This is a genuine Victorian scientific instrument featuring a true binocular head with prism system, rack and pinion coarse focus, fine adjustment, and substage mirror. The microscope is engraved to the foot “R. & J. Beck, London” and retains good overall form and presence.

Housed in its original fitted mahogany case, stamped internally for Brady & Martin, indicating period retail through this Newcastle agent. The case also retains its original instruction label.

The microscope is supplied with two Beck eyepieces and associated fittings. A scarce example of an early binocular microscope by one of London’s leading instrument makers, offering both display appeal and practical usability.

Height of microscope: 33 cm

Height of case: 38 cm

Condition Report

Presented in good antique condition with wear commensurate with age and use.

Brass surfaces have been cleaned/polished and show light handling wear

Optics show some scratches and debris; not tested for optical performance

Stage glass plate has a visible stable crack and appears to be a later replacement

Mirror exhibits foxing

2 Eyepieces marked by Beck, with light wear.

Case structurally complete but with a visible vertical split to the rear panel and general age-related cracking

No obvious replaced structural components noted

Overall, a well-preserved and complete example with expected age-related imperfections.

Declaration

Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria has dated this Antique Brass Binocular Microscope to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1211900
Dealers Notes

Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria, Portobello Road

WE are open every Saturday between 9.30 - 3.30pm in Chelsea Galleries 67 Portobello Road London.

We are at the front of the gallery, on the 1st aisle.

Web page:-

https://peterharrisclocks.com/welcome/

Description
A late 19th-century brass binocular compound microscope by R. & J. Beck, the “Improved National” model, dating to circa 1880–1885.
This is a genuine Victorian scientific instrument featuring a true binocular head with prism system, rack and pinion coarse focus, fine adjustment, and substage mirror.
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria

The microscope is engraved to the foot “R. & J. Beck, London” and retains good overall form and presence.

fig 1. A Victorian lacquered brass binocular microscope featuring dual body tubes, knurled adjusting wheels, a stage plate, and a solid brass tripod foot.
fig 1. R. & J. Beck, London, Binocular Microscope, “Improved National”, C.1880, in Original Mahogany Case

Housed in its original fitted mahogany case, stamped internally for Brady & Martin, indicating period retail through this Newcastle agent. The case also retains its original instruction label.

The microscope is supplied with two Beck eyepieces and associated fittings. A scarce example of an early binocular microscope by one of London’s leading instrument makers, offering both display appeal and practical usability.

fig 2. A Victorian lacquered brass binocular microscope featuring dual body tubes, knurled adjusting wheels, a stage plate, and a solid brass tripod foot.
fig 2. R. & J. Beck, London, Binocular Microscope, “Improved National”, C.1880, in Original Mahogany Case

Height of microscope: 33 cm

Height of case: 38 cm

Condition Report

Presented in good antique condition with wear commensurate with age and use.

Brass surfaces have been cleaned/polished and show light handling wear

fig 3. A Victorian lacquered brass binocular microscope featuring dual body tubes, knurled adjusting wheels, a stage plate, and a solid brass tripod foot.
fig 3. R. & J. Beck, London, Binocular Microscope, “Improved National”, C.1880, in Original Mahogany Case

Optics show some scratches and debris; not tested for optical performance

Stage glass plate has a visible stable crack and appears to be a later replacement

Mirror exhibits foxing

2 Eyepieces marked by Beck, with light wear.

fig 4. A Victorian lacquered brass binocular microscope featuring dual body tubes, knurled adjusting wheels, a stage plate, and a solid brass tripod foot.
fig 4. R. & J. Beck, London, Binocular Microscope, “Improved National”, C.1880, in Original Mahogany Case

Case structurally complete but with a visible vertical split to the rear panel and general age-related cracking

No obvious replaced structural components noted

Overall, a well-preserved and complete example with expected age-related imperfections.

Date of Manufacture

Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria has dated this Antique Brass Binocular Microscope to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1211900
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2020

We specialise in flintlock pistols, muskets, clocks & watches

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria Profile Page

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A Victorian lacquered brass binocular microscope featuring dual body tubes, knurled adjusting wheels, a stage plate, and a solid brass tripod foot.
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Archive I A Victorian lacquered brass binocular microscope featuring dual body tubes, knurled adjusting wheels, a stage plate, and a solid brass tripod foot.

R. & J. Beck, London, Binocular Microscope, “Improved National”, C.1880, in Original Mahogany Case

Archive II A Victorian lacquered brass binocular microscope featuring dual body tubes, knurled adjusting wheels, a stage plate, and a solid brass tripod foot. View II
Archive III A Victorian lacquered brass binocular microscope featuring dual body tubes, knurled adjusting wheels, a stage plate, and a solid brass tripod foot. View III
Archive IV A Victorian lacquered brass binocular microscope featuring dual body tubes, knurled adjusting wheels, a stage plate, and a solid brass tripod foot. View IV
Archive V A Victorian lacquered brass binocular microscope featuring dual body tubes, knurled adjusting wheels, a stage plate, and a solid brass tripod foot. View V
Archive VI A Victorian lacquered brass binocular microscope featuring dual body tubes, knurled adjusting wheels, a stage plate, and a solid brass tripod foot. View VI
Archive VII A Victorian lacquered brass binocular microscope featuring dual body tubes, knurled adjusting wheels, a stage plate, and a solid brass tripod foot. View VII
Archive VIII A Victorian lacquered brass binocular microscope featuring dual body tubes, knurled adjusting wheels, a stage plate, and a solid brass tripod foot. View VIII
Archive IX A Victorian lacquered brass binocular microscope featuring dual body tubes, knurled adjusting wheels, a stage plate, and a solid brass tripod foot. View IX
Archive X A Victorian lacquered brass binocular microscope featuring dual body tubes, knurled adjusting wheels, a stage plate, and a solid brass tripod foot. View X
Archive XI A Victorian lacquered brass binocular microscope featuring dual body tubes, knurled adjusting wheels, a stage plate, and a solid brass tripod foot. View XI
Archive XII A Victorian lacquered brass binocular microscope featuring dual body tubes, knurled adjusting wheels, a stage plate, and a solid brass tripod foot. View XII
Archive XIII A Victorian lacquered brass binocular microscope featuring dual body tubes, knurled adjusting wheels, a stage plate, and a solid brass tripod foot. View XIII
Archive XIV A Victorian lacquered brass binocular microscope featuring dual body tubes, knurled adjusting wheels, a stage plate, and a solid brass tripod foot. View XIV
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Telephone 07930 536818
Location
London
United Kingdom
Verified Since Nov 2020
Items For Sale 94
Items Sold 110
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria
Verified Since Nov 2020
View Dealer Info
Location: London, United Kingdom
Verified
Nov 2020
For Sale
94
Sold
110
A Victorian lacquered brass binocular microscope featuring dual body tubes, knurled adjusting wheels, a stage plate, and a solid brass tripod foot.
R. & J. Beck, London, Binocular Microscope, “Improved National”, c.1880, in original Mahogany Case
Ref: SA1211900
A Victorian lacquered brass binocular microscope featuring dual body tubes, knurled adjusting wheels, a stage plate, and a solid brass tripod foot.
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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Developed in the mid-to-late nineteenth century, Victorian binocular microscopes utilise dual body tubes to provide a stereoscopic, three-dimensional view of specimens, representing a major technological advancement in nineteenth-century optical science.

Microscopes from this period were predominantly constructed from solid cast and turned brass, finished with a protective clear lacquer, alongside optical glass elements and occasional steel or vulcanite components.

Authentic nineteenth-century microscopes typically feature engraved maker signatures on the brass foot or body tube, precision rack-and-pinion focusing mechanisms, period-correct lacquered patination, and fitted mahogany storage cases.

Scientific instruments serve as compelling accent pieces when positioned on an oak or mahogany desk, an open bookshelf, or within a glazed cabinet in a study or library setting.

To preserve original lacquered brass, wipe gently with a soft microfibre cloth to remove dust. Avoid commercial metal polishes, abrasive cleaners, or liquids, as these strip historic lacquer coatings.
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