Antique Leitz Wetzlar Microscope. Germany, 1913

Antique Leitz Wetzlar microscope with storing case and key, made in Germany in 1913 and in amazing condition. This instrument stands out for its complex and beautiful design, and is also in fine working order. It mounts a three-lens revolving nosepiece and a set of three eyepieces too. The lenses come in their brass sleeves and the eyepieces are stored in a wooden stand. The diaphragm located under the sample plate is in working order though the lever to operate it is missing. To make it work, the user only has to press it with a pointed object. The rest of the screws, mobile parts and lenses of this device are in fine condition and make it possible to watch samples in an easy and neat way. The microscopes turret bears the engraved manufacturers name, E. Leitz Wetzlar, and the serial number Nº 155251. This number is also engraved at the storing cases edge, a feature that reveals it is the original one. The lenses bear the same engraved name together with the magnification number. Under the turret and the sample plate we can see the microscopes foot, made of cast iron and with the original black-enameled finish in optimal condition. The storing case is a gorgeous mahogany wooden box, of a fine light-golden shade and finely preserved too. It keeps the original lock and key set in working order. Inside we find a paper sheet with a series of handwritten data: the microscopes serial number, information about the lenses and a date, May 27th, 1913. This antique Leitz Wetzlar microscope with storing case and key is a real classic among turn-of-the-century scientific surveying instruments. Measurements: Width: 5.6 in / 14 cm. Height: 14.4 in / 36 cm.Ernst Leitz Wetzlar History The beginnings of the famous optic material manufacturing company named Ernst Leitz Wetzlar can be found in the first half of the 19th century, when the mechanic and selft-taught mathematician Carl Kellner founded the Carl Kellner Optisches Institut in Wetlzar, Germany. After his early death his widow maintained the business, and in 1864 the mechanical engineer Ernst Leitz entered the company. Just five years later, Leitz took control of the firm and changed its name for Ernst Leitz Wetzlar. Leitz led the company to success after introducing improvements such as serial production, raising sales volume rapidly after 1871. Leitz microscopes included technical improvements that increased their quality; by the late 19th century the company already had a worldwide reputation. Ernst Leitz died in 1920 and the leadership of the firm passed to his son. As well as for their microscopes and optic material, Leitz became hugely famous for their famous Leica cameras (abbreviation of Leitz Camera).