Antique Carl Zeiss Jena ‘Jug-Handle’ Microscope. Germany, Circa 1920

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Antique Carl Zeiss Jena ‘Jug-Handle’ Microscope. Germany, Circa 1920

Antique Carl Zeiss Jena ‘jug-handle’ microscope, made in Germany circa 1920 and with its original case and key. The microscope mounts a three-lens revolving nosepiece, is in great condition and is a very complete item: it includes a mechanical sample plate and comes with a set of 5 lenses and 5 eyepieces. It is made of black-lacquered metal and brass, with horseshoe foot and the original handle which gives this model its name. At the turret’s front side we can see the manufacturer’s name and the serial number, Nº 67921. Both the rack-and-pinion system and the shutter work fine and move softly. The double-sided mirror seems to have been removed at some point, to be replaced by an adjustable electric light fixture. This is quite a rare element which makes it possible to watch samples in full light. The storing case is made of light-colored mahogany and is very well preserved; the lock works fine and has the original key, with the Z of Zeiss.

This wonderful antique Carl Zeiss Jena ‘jug-handle’ microscope is a real collector’s item, in amazing condition and ready to be used.

Dimensions: Width: 4.13 in / 10 cm. Height: 15.35 in / 39 cm. Depth: 6.10 in / 15.5 cm.

Carl Zeiss – History

Carl Zeiss is a leading German company which manufactures optic material, surveying and measurement equipment and medical devices. The company started in 1846 when the optician Carl Zeiss opened his first workshop in Jena, Germany. In 1847 he was already manufacturing microscopes full time. In 1861 Zeiss was considered one of the most important microscope makers in Germany; five years later, the workshop sold their 1000th microscope. In 1847 Ernst Abbe and Otto Schott entered the company and designed improved lenses for Zeiss instruments. Carl Zeiss died in 1888 but his company kept on and began to manufacture and sold other items such as cameras. Today, Zeiss is still active .