Large Antique Steward Compound Microscope. England, Circa 1880

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Large Antique Steward Compound Microscope. Exceptionally complete. England, Circa 1880

Large antique Steward compound microscope in very good condition. The microscope originates from England and was manufactured in the late 19th century (circa 1880). It functions perfectly and comes with a set of original period accessories. It also retains its original wooden storage case. This instrument is a large-scale design of striking beauty, made entirely of brass and mounted on a solid mahogany base. The brass is in good condition and retains its original clear lacquer, which gives it an attractive antique patina. Included with the microscope is a bulls-eye focusing lens, in excellent condition.

The rack mechanism that allows the lens to be raised and lowered is in perfect condition, as are the two eyepieces and the three original objectives included in the set. The objectives are stored in brass cases bearing the manufacturers hand-engraved signature. The mirror located beneath the specimen stage is also an original period piece; the circular base holds only a flat lens. The stage is mechanical and allows specimens to be moved by adjusting the brass screws. The microscope is signed on the base, where the engraved inscription STEWARD 406 STRAND can be seen. The case is made of solid mahoganysturdy and very attractive. It is well-preserved and comes with its original key, which is in working order.

As beautiful as it is evocative, this antique Steward compound microscope will stand out in even the most prestigious collection of 19th-century scientific instruments.

Dimensions: Height: 35 cm.

History of J. H. Steward

James Henry Steward (18171896) founded the firm J. H. Steward in London in 1852. The company initially manufactured pocket watches and optical systems for military applications, but the business soon expanded to include the production of telescopes, spyglasses, compasses, barometers, and microscopes. As the firms Chief Optician, he is presumed to have been a qualified optician; however, very little is known about his early life and academic achievements. Even so, it is known that Steward specialized in a wide variety of disciplines within the field of instrument manufacturing, indicating that he was a talented professional. In his day, his reputation as a manufacturer of scientific instruments (of many types) grew with impressive speed. Gradually, his sons joined the company; each ran a satellite shop affiliated with the main location. Over time, Steward began to market devices made by other manufacturers, to which he added his own signature.