Nuremberg-type toy drum compound microscope
Date: circa 1820
Inventory Number: 2002-1-0062
Classification: Microscope
Subject:
Maker: German
Maker: I. M. (circa 1820)
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
23 x 7 x 6 cm (9 1/16 x 2 3/4 x 2 3/8 in.)
Description:
Wooden box serves as the base and has large window to expose the substage flat mirror to light. Two slits, one on each side of the box, are used to hold the slide. The body tube is made of pasteboard covered with pebbled leather, which has some of its green color rubbed off. It is fixed to the top of the box with a wood collar. The lower end is a wooden nosepiece with the objective lens. Two draw tubes are made of pasteboard covered with decorated paper that has a red and green geometrical pattern. There are wooden collars on the tubes. The lowest is split. The biconvex lenses are held in place with iron split rings. The screw-on dust cap is missing. Focus is by draw tube.
The microscope is signed on the underside of the base with a branding iron, "I M."
There is a 19th century paper sticker on the side inked "88."
The microscope is signed on the underside of the base with a branding iron, "I M."
There is a 19th century paper sticker on the side inked "88."
Signedon underside: I M
Curatorial RemarksSame brand on Nuremberg microscopes 1050 and 1155. See separate file on Nuremberg ("toy") microscopes.
ProvenanceGift of Max and Florence Brodsky Family, 2002.