Description

A one off Continental(French) ? compass microscope of unusual features. 17 cm. long with a threaded ebony handle, this simple microscope features fold out interchangeable and stacking lenses stored in the beautifully tear drop shaped upper section (2-3 X each). Magnificent early knurling/roping of the brass of all screws and pivot points. Full 360 rotation of the bullseye/livebox and forceps and 90 degree perpendicular rotation for focus in addition to 180 degree rotation to swing the forceps/bullseye/live box out of the focal plane. Retaining most of it’s original golden lacquer, it is a complex marvel of engineering and machining. Everything is nice and tight as it’s use was minimal. The 15 cm. long forceps are of typical construction (brass with steel rod) and are held in place by a knurled screw. The same knurled screw can be backed off to accommodate the additional 10 X bullseye/livebox which can be used in combination with the folding lenses or as a lone magnifier. Nice green glass on the convex side and colourless glass on the plano side. All housed in a brass horseshoe-shaped bracket with full rotation by two knurled screws. The bullseye lens/live box is 2.5 cm. in diameter and 1.5 cm. thick. (in two parts). The case is modern and I was looking for something suitable in mahogany but without success. Depth and length are the main stumbling blocks (min. 15 cm. internally with a depth of at least 2 cm.-pencil box??). The new owner will want to display this beauty, not tuck it away in a box anyway !!!

N.B. have proper era forceps for this microscope now. will post new photos soon.