Antique Beck London Microscope in Wooden Case. c.1907-1910

Description

This is an antique Beck London microscope in good working condition.

Some Main Features:

• Model: Beck London microscope
• Three rotatable objective lenses:  Spencer 4mm, 16mm focal length and 1/12″ Oel Immersion lens
• Detailed markings on the three objective lenses:

1/12 Oel Immersion, E. Leitz Wetzlar
61008 Apert 1.30

Spencer Buffalo USA 149534
44x 4mm N.A. 0.66

Spencer Buffalo USA 146948
10x 16mm N.A. 0.25

• Dual focus system: Coarse & Fine focus knobs
• Eye lens: two eyepieces included, 10x and 8x
• Extendable eyepiece tube for magnification adjustment
• Square metal stage with clips
• Height adjustable substage condenser lens and polarizer
• Light reflection plano-concave mirror
• Solid metal construction with horseshoe base
• Tiltable frame/limb for comfortable observation angle
• Size: Main microscope body height: 280mm; Width: 110mm; Depth: 150mm
• Weight: 3.9 kg
• Full working condition
• A wooden case included (no key).

Note: 

The likely date of this microscope is Circa 1907–1910, with about 1908 as our best single-year estimate.

The microscope appears to be an early R. & J. Beck “London” stand, probably the Iris-model period. A 1907 Royal Microscopical Society description of the newly introduced London Iris Model specifically mentions:

• an inclining joint
• increased clearance beneath the stage
• an iris diaphragm
• and a substage that swings away from the optical axis.

Those features correspond closely with this microscope.

The later London Handle Model was announced in 1911 and subsequently revised with a more obvious carrying-handle limb, enlarged four-inch stage and updated focusing arrangement. This microscope appears to retain the earlier form, supporting a date shortly before that redesign.

The finish appears substantially original, although probably lightly cleaned or polished in places during its life.

Evidence includes:

• uneven, naturally mellowed colour on the brass
• darker oxidation remaining around screw heads, wheel edges and recessed areas
• normal wear on exposed high points
• no obvious uniformly bright, mirror-polished appearance
• no clear lacquer runs, pooling or excessively glossy modern coating
• apparently old black textured finish on the tube and stand.

The microscope retains much of its original black and lacquered-brass finish, with age-related oxidation, wear and evidence of some past light cleaning.

The case is probably original to the microscope. The strongest evidence is that:

• the internal blocks and supports are positioned specifically for this stand;
• the microscope fits upright in the expected orientation;
• the case proportions, finger-jointed construction, hinges and aged finish are consistent with the microscope’s period;
• the wear and ageing of the case appear broadly compatible with the instrument.

The optics are intact and quite clean. (Note: all lenses can be opened from both ends for cleaning when necessary).

The focus adjustment wheels for both quick and fine focusing work smoothly.