Rare Antique Botanical Microscope

Fine example of a rare early 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 4 original lenses. The microscope has a coarse focus with an adjustment knob on the side which moves the arm carrying the lens up and down.

The stage is made up of two circular mounts which the specimen slide goes through. It comes with a glass stage insert and a round brass trough with glass bottom for wet work. It also comes with a brass accessory with sharpened metal pin for holding a larger specimen such as a leaf or insect. There is a small adjustable mirror below the stage which focusses the light onto the specimens. The microscope itself is 4 1/4" (11cm) high without extension.

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

It appears to be in good working order and I have set it up and tested it with the 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. Although in working order it is really being sold as a decorative / collectors item rather than an accurate scientific instrument.

It comes in its original fitted box with sections to hold the lenses and accessories. The box is good quality with a small catch on the front. It has a nice aged patina with some general signs of age and use and there have been some old repairs around the front but overall the box is strong and sturdy and still displays very nicely. The box is a compact 5 1/2" wide X 1 1/4" high X 3 1/2" deep.

There are 3 ivorine specimen slides, one with 4 large specimens on and the other two with smaller finer hair like specimens although not all circles look like they have something in.

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

Tracked UK delivery £10, rest of the world £30.