French toy compound microscope
Date: circa 1850
Inventory Number: 2002-1-0053
Classification: Microscope
Dimensions:microscope: 11 × 4.2 × 4.6 cm (4 5/16 × 1 5/8 × 1 13/16 in.)
case: 4.5 × 13.1 × 5.5 cm (1 3/4 × 5 3/16 × 2 3/16 in.)
Accessories: 1 objective; 1 eyepiece; substage mirror; 1 clear glass slider; shaped leather velvet-lined case.
Description:
Tiny, but complete and well made brass compound microscope in a French style.
The circular base is made of brass and has a pillar hinged to it in the center. The pillar carries a fork-mounted plane mirror, with a blackened frame. Above the mirror is a small rectangular stage with two stage clips, all of blackened brass. A glass slide is present. The top of the pillar carries a blackened brass ring mount with a brass sleeve. The body tube fits into the sleeve. It has a removable eyepiece and a convertible objective of the French style. Focus is by sliding the body tube in the sleeve.
The pear-shaped case is made of wood covered in black leather and lined in purple silk and velvet.