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ID #SA1221944
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19th Century Botanical Field Microscope
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
for sale €263     $286
£225
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

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    Selling good quality victorian, georgian and earlier furniture, accessories & decorative items. Ashburton, devon. LAPADA member
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Id #SA1221944
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19th Century Botanical Field Microscope

19th century
Description

A good example of a rare 19th Century botanical microscope in its original fitted wooden case. The microscope is made of lacquered brass and screws into a mount on the top of the box. It comes with 2 original lenses which can be used individually or stacked together to increase the magnification. The microscope has a circular stage which can be moved manually up and down to provide the focus.

The microscope is in good condition for its age and the brass has been cleaned and lightly polished to retain its aged patina. There are some small knocks and light surface marks and some tarnish and wear on the lacquer but nothing untoward.

It comes in its original fitted box with sections to hold the lenses and accessories. The box is good quality with brass latches on the front (one missing). It has a nice aged patina with some general signs of age and use but overall the box is strong and sturdy and still displays very nicely.

Approximate Measurements :

Height (assembled) : 5" / 13cm

Box Length : 4 1/2" / 11.5cm

Box Width : 3" / 7.5cm

The best description comes from the photos so please look at them all carefully and if you have any questions just ask.

Tracked UK Delivery £7

Physical Dimensions
Height
13cm (5.12")
Width
11.5cm (4.53")
Depth
7.5cm (2.95")
Declaration

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors has dated this Antique Botanical Field Microscope to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1221944
Description
A good example of a rare 19th Century botanical microscope in its original fitted wooden case. The microscope is made of lacquered brass and screws into a mount on the top of the box.
It comes with 2 original lenses which can be used individually or stacked together to increase the magnification.
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

The microscope has a circular stage which can be moved manually up and down to provide the focus.

fig 1. A 19th-century brass botanical field microscope mounted upright on a polished mahogany wooden storage box base.
fig 1. 19th Century Botanical Field Microscope

The microscope is in good condition for its age and the brass has been cleaned and lightly polished to retain its aged patina. There are some small knocks and light surface marks and some tarnish and wear on the lacquer but nothing untoward.

fig 2. A 19th-century brass botanical field microscope mounted upright on a polished mahogany wooden storage box base.
fig 2. 19th Century Botanical Field Microscope

It comes in its original fitted box with sections to hold the lenses and accessories. The box is good quality with brass latches on the front (one missing). It has a nice aged patina with some general signs of age and use but overall the box is strong and sturdy and still displays very nicely.

fig 3. A 19th-century brass botanical field microscope mounted upright on a polished mahogany wooden storage box base.
fig 3. 19th Century Botanical Field Microscope

Approximate Measurements :

Height (assembled) : 5" / 13cm

Box Length : 4 1/2" / 11.5cm

Box Width : 3" / 7.5cm

The best description comes from the photos so please look at them all carefully and if you have any questions just ask.

Tracked UK Delivery £7

Height
13cm (5.12")
Width
11.5cm (4.53")
Depth
7.5cm (2.95")
Date of Manufacture

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors has dated this Antique Botanical Field Microscope to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1221944
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2016

Selling good quality victorian, georgian and earlier furniture, accessories & decorative items. Ashburton, devon. LAPADA member

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors Profile Page

Trade Associations

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA

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SAVE
A 19th-century brass botanical field microscope mounted upright on a polished mahogany wooden storage box base.
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Archive I A 19th-century brass botanical field microscope mounted upright on a polished mahogany wooden storage box base.

19th Century Botanical Field Microscope

Archive II A 19th-century brass botanical field microscope mounted upright on a polished mahogany wooden storage box base. View II
Archive III A 19th-century brass botanical field microscope mounted upright on a polished mahogany wooden storage box base. View III
Archive IV A 19th-century brass botanical field microscope mounted upright on a polished mahogany wooden storage box base. View IV
Archive V A 19th-century brass botanical field microscope mounted upright on a polished mahogany wooden storage box base. View V
Archive VI A 19th-century brass botanical field microscope mounted upright on a polished mahogany wooden storage box base. View VI
Archive VII A 19th-century brass botanical field microscope mounted upright on a polished mahogany wooden storage box base. View VII
Archive VIII A 19th-century brass botanical field microscope mounted upright on a polished mahogany wooden storage box base. View VIII
Archive IX A 19th-century brass botanical field microscope mounted upright on a polished mahogany wooden storage box base. View IX
Archive X A 19th-century brass botanical field microscope mounted upright on a polished mahogany wooden storage box base. View X
Archive XI A 19th-century brass botanical field microscope mounted upright on a polished mahogany wooden storage box base. View XI
Archive XII A 19th-century brass botanical field microscope mounted upright on a polished mahogany wooden storage box base. View XII
Archive XIII A 19th-century brass botanical field microscope mounted upright on a polished mahogany wooden storage box base. View XIII
Archive XIV A 19th-century brass botanical field microscope mounted upright on a polished mahogany wooden storage box base. View XIV
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Location
7 North Street
Ashburton
Devon
TQ13 7QJ
United Kingdom

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In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
Verified Since Aug 2016
View Dealer Info
Location: 7 North Street, Ashburton, Devon, TQ13 7QJ, United Kingdom, , Opening hours:, Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm
Verified
Aug 2016
For Sale
253
Sold
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A 19th-century brass botanical field microscope mounted upright on a polished mahogany wooden storage box base.
19th Century Botanical Field Microscope
Ref: SA1221944
A 19th-century brass botanical field microscope mounted upright on a polished mahogany wooden storage box base.
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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.

A botanical field microscope is a compact, highly portable optical instrument engineered during the 18th and 19th centuries for naturalists and botanists to study plant structures in the field. These instruments typically disassemble to fit inside a small wooden carrying case, which often doubles as the supporting base during assembly.

19th-century scientific instruments were predominantly constructed from solid brass due to its durability, resistance to corrosion, and precise machinability. Carrying cases and mounting bases were typically crafted from fine hardwoods such as mahogany or fruitwood, lined with velvet or felt to protect optical lenses.

Authentic period pieces exhibit hand-cut threads, lacquered brass patination, and subtle hand-finishing marks from construction. Looking for maker inscriptions, period-appropriate dovetail or brass latch joinery on the case, and original glass optics helps confirm authenticity.

A brass botanical microscope serves as a narrative focal point when displayed on an executive desk, within a glass cabinet of curiosities, or atop a stack of leather-bound books. Pairing lacquered brass with dark woods, leather, and botanical prints complements classic and eclectic interior schemes.

Maintain brass components by dusting regularly with a soft microfiber cloth while avoiding harsh chemical polishes that strip original lacquer or aged patina. Keep wooden bases in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight and extreme humidity changes to prevent cracking.
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