Beautiful Antique Johnson & Sons Microscope. England, Circa 1900

This stunning compound monocular microscope is a real collectors piece, a precision instrument signed by the prestigious optic material manufacturer W. Johnson & Sons and made in England circa 1900. The microscope is an excellent condition and in good working order; it comes in its original light-colored mahogany case, also very well preserved. It comes with some of the original accessories though some pieces are missing, the set still contains two objectives, an eyepiece and a small wooden box with ancient samples on glass plates. All moving parts work smoothly. The brass parts look great and preserves the original transparent lacquer that protects and embellishes its surface. The cast-iron body is quite original: it has a stylized base with three legs supported by brass disks. At the back of the base we can see the manufacturers name and serial number, clearly engraved and painted white: : W. JOHNSON & SONS LONDON W. 1054. On the other hand, the mahogany case is in great condition too and preserves the original lock and key in working order. This awesome antique microscope is waiting to become part of the best collection of turn-of-the-century optical instruments. Measurements: Width: 7.8 in / 20 cm. Height: 14.5 in / 37 cm.History of W. Jonhnson & Sons W. Johnson & Sons was one of the oldest independent opticians in London. The company, started by William George Johnson in 1801, initially manufactured microscopes and barometers before diversifying to produce spectacles. At the Great Exhibition (1851) Johnsons displayed one of the first bifocal spectacle lenses for general prescribing. Later in the 19th century, the company held the Royal Warrant for the supply of spectacles to Queen Victoria. During the Second World War, Dudley Johnson took his optical skills to aid the war effort, making gun sights for the armed services. After the war he went on to develop a successful spectacle hire service, initially for the London theatres, then later for TV & Films including Gandhi and Four Weddings and a Funeral. In 1997, the lease at 187 Tottenham Court Road came to an end and the company was incorporated into Zacks Eye Clinic. Liz Johnson, the last member of the family still working as an optician continued to practice at Zacks until her retirement in 2011. Johnsons optometrist Michaela Joseph continues to practice at Zacks Eye Clinic, 30 Warren Street, London W1T 5NF. (Source: Zacks Eye Clinic London. Http://www.zackseyes.co.uk/about-us/the-history-of-zacks/)