1863 SQUARE TUBE MICROSCOPE

A rare and unusual lacquered brass microscope by Smith, Beck and Beck featuring a sprocket and chain driven focus mechanism. This is a very nice instrument unusual in a number of respects. It has a chain and sprocket focus shown in close up in the photo a circular base embossed Smith, Beck and Beck Universal Microscope and the tube pivots perpendicular to the stand. The square machined body tube is typical of mid Victorian engineering design and the serial number of 3591 dates the instrument to 1863. The mirror is attached via a short limb directly to the stage which contains a dark well with a simple lever aperture adjustment The lacquering is in very good condition as is the mirror silvering. The accessories include two eyepieces, two objectives, a pair of brass tweezers, an extension body tube, a stage bull's eye condenser and a small pigskin pouch containing a length of chain identical to that used on the focus and probably from an earlier repair. The instrument is contained in the original mahogany case with brass handle and lock (key missing).

Price..........$1,782