Fantastic Swift & Son Binocular Microscope. England, circa 1880. Accessories and Case

Fantastic Swift & Son Binocular Microscope. England, circa 1880. Accessories and Case

This magnificent antique microscope is a scientific gem, of great beauty and fully functional. It is in excellent condition, with the brass parts still protected by the original lacquer and the iron retaining virtually all of the black enamel that protects and decorates it.

The microscope comes in its original mahogany case, with a brass handle and hinges, and a lock with a key that works perfectly. Along with the microscope, the case also contains an impressive set of original accessories, just as well-preserved as the microscope itself, which can still be used with it today just as they were when they were first made.

The set of accessories includes a stand-mounted magnifying glass, a circular specimen stage, seven original objectives in their respective brass sleeves, eight eyepieces, a light-concentrating lens, and a box for live specimens. The eyepieces bear various inscriptions on the metal, such as "REICHERT WIEN." This inscription refers to Carl Friedrich Wilhelm Reichert, founder of a prestigious microscope manufacturing company in Vienna. On the other eyepieces, we find inscriptions regarding their characteristics, magnifications, and the clear oil immersion treatment to which this type of accessory is typically subjected (OIL IMMERSION), intended to increase the microscope's resolution.

On the base of the instrument, we can see the inscription "J. SWIFT & SON - LONDON" engraved on black-enameled metal and highlighted with white paint. The inscription refers to James Powell Swift, who founded a microscope manufacturing business in London in 1853. In 1877, he began using the trade name J. Swift & Son.

As mentioned, the entire set is presented in a beautiful solid mahogany wooden case, in magnificent condition and still containing the original key. Engraved on the key is the address of a London street: 130 QUEEN VICTORIA - LONDON.

Without a doubt, this impressive antique microscope will be coveted by the most discerning collectors of scientific artifacts.