R&J. Beck Binocular Microscope in Very Good Condition. London, Circa 1870

Amazing binocular microscope, very ancient and in excellent condition. This microscope was manufactured in London, England it is made of golden brass and preserves all its original component parts. It works really fine and can be used to watch samples, though the image that can be seen through the left turret is slightly less sharp than the one watched through the right one. The brass keeps the original transparent lacquer, a feature that enhances the instruments beauty. The item comes in its original solid wooden case with an interesting set of accessories. At the microscopes foot, just under the turrets we can see the inscription R & J BECK LONDON clearly engraved in the metal. We can also read the instruments serial number: 5020. R. & J.Beck was a renowned optic material manufacturing company founded in Mortimer St., London in 1835. The firm was started by Richard and Joseph Beck in partnership with James Smith. In the early days the companys name was Smith, Beck & Beck; when james Smith retired, it was renamed as we can read in this microscope. They produced a wide array of microscopes, telescopes, trench periscopes and even cameras T. E. Lawrence, best known as Laurence of Arabia, used one of their plate cameras. This beautiful microscope is composed of a solid base that supports the two turrets; these can be moved and regulated by gears and screws. All the component parts move fluidly and softly, turning the device into a collectors piece. As stated before, the microscope comes in its original case, made of solid mahogany wood. Inside there is also a wooden stand with sleeves for the lenses and eyepieces, and a box containing antique sample plates. Its aesthetic beauty and striking condition turn this microscope into a highly interesting piec for any collector. Measurements: Width: 7.4 in / 19 cm. Height: 15.3 in / 39 cm.