German Microscope, 1917

Striking vintage microscope made in Germany by E. Leitz Wetzlar in 1917. This surveying device is in wonderful condition and working order, and it comes in its original wooden case with some accessories. The microscope is made of black-lacquered metal with turret, objectives, eyepiece and mobile parts in golden brass. All the surfaces look great: the black lacquer is shiny and even, and the brass looks clean and polished. In the turret we can see an engraved inscription with the manufacturers name, Ernst Leitz Wetzlar (this last word being the name of the place where the company was established), and just under it lays the instruments serial number: 218213.The microscope has a three-lens revolving nosepiece. All the lenses bear the engraved logo of the brand and the magnification number. The wooden case where the instrument is stored also contains an extra lens with its black plastic container. The microscopes case also has some detachable wooden part designed to store lenses and eyepieces, and comes with two extra eyepieces. A long wooden box with sliding lid accompanies these accessories: it contains some glass plates. Finally, we can also find a small transparent acrylic glass with a label printed with a red inscription. The case is made of solid wood, light-colored and with a nice veneer. It is made of planks assembled with delicate and carefully made dovetail joints.The box keeps the original lock and key, and also the metal handle to carry the microscope. The hinges which connect the lid to the box are also in great condition, showing no traces of rust. E. Leitz Wetzlar company started out in 1849, when Karl Kellner founded the Optical Institute of Wetzlar in this German location. When the company started producing microscope, they hired engineer Ernst Leitz. He soon became a partner and eventually acquired the factory and named it Ernst Leitz Institute of Wetzlar. As well as its famous microscopes, this brands most renowned piece is surely Leica photographic camera, being the name Leica an acronym of Leitz Camera.This microscopes intrinsic beauty and its excellent condition and working order turn it into an exceptional article, fit to become part of a museum of vintage and antique scientific devices.Measurements: Width: 170 mm. Height: 380 mm.