Antique Leitz Wetzlar Brass Microscope from Queens College Cambridge University

Antique E.Leitz Wetzlar Microscope

from Queens College Cambridge

Circa 1880

Fine example of a high quality 19th Century microscope in a fitted wooden case, complete with 2 eyepiece lenses and an objective lens. The microscope is made of brass which has been polished to a high standard. The eyepiece tube can be manually adjusted and then there is a screw at the back which focuses the microscope. It has a square brass stage and a mirror below the stage to direct the light. There is a rotating dial directly below the stage with various sized circles cut out of it which can widen or narrow the window of light that shines onto the subject.

It is stamped on the front of the tube 'UC' for University of Cambridge and the box is stamped Q.C.C for Queens College. It is possible the microscope was a student microscope or one kept in the labs at the college. There are no further marks on the microscope itself as to its maker but research shows it was made by E.Leitz Wetzlar due to its unusual design.

The objective lens is marked 'R&J Beck Ltd. London. 16mm". There are two eyepiece lenses marked 10 and x6. On the tubes of the lenses one is stamped 'Z.L.K.C 95' and the other 'L.U.B.D 20'.

The microscope appears to be in good working order and I have set it up and tested it with a few old slides. I've attached a photo looking down the microscope at various specimens with both lenses. I'm sure the lenses would probably benefit from a light clean but they produce a clear and bright image all the same that is easy to focus.

The microscope comes in its original fitted case with sections for the lenses to fit in and velvet lined pads to hold the microscope in place. The box is stamped '23917'.

The microscope measures approximately 10" tall. The box is 12" long X 5 1/2" wide X 4" deep.

Overall it is in very good condition. It has been used and will have some normal signs of wear so please don't expect it to be brand new. There are some knocks around the base and areas of tarnishing. It is also worth noting that there are no slide clips. The box is sturdy and has a lovely aged patina, however there is no key. Although in working order it is really being sold as a decorative / collectors item rather than an accurate scientific instrument. It has been cleaned and the brass lightly polished and it displays very nicely.

A fantastic example of a rare antique microscope with very interesting provenance. The best description comes from the photos so please look at them all carefully and if you have any questions at all please ask.

Price includes UK shipping.