Description

An antique cased brass microscope by R & J Beck Ltd (London) with the number 29092 and with three objectives in metal cases. A really nice example of precision engineering in working order. There is a break to the front of the slide plate, otherwise in good order. This is a compound microscope made from lacquered brass with a continental horseshoe base which is solid brass. The substage double-sided mirror is attached via a gimbal arm to a swinging tailpiece that is connected to the pillar. The square, mechanical stage is painted black and has two metal clips to secure a specimen. There are two holes on both corners of the stage in which accessories such as stage forceps can be attached. The coarse focusing functions via a rack and pinion mechanism which moves the body tube closer or further away from the stage. The fine focusing mechanism is controlled by a thumbscrew located at the top of the pillar. The case has a key which fits but does not operate the lock. This microscope dates from around 1900.

R & J Beck occupy an especially important place in the history of the British microscope manufacturing with its beginning established in London, by Richard Beck (1827 – 1866) in association with James Smith (1800 – 1873), and later to be joined by his brother Joseph Beck. Richard and Joseph Beck were nephews of Joseph Jackson Lister, who was a respected British optician and physicist who experimented with achromatic lenses and perfected an optical microscope. In commissioning the manufacture of his improved microscope, Lister worked with James Smith, an employee of the instrument-making firm of William Tulley, to create the stand. James Smith went on to establish his own optical instruments workshop in 1837. Through this relationship, Lister arranged for his nephew, Richard Beck to be an apprentice under Smith in 1843. In 1847, James Smith entered into partnership with Richard Beck, and the company was re-named Smith & Beck. In 1854, the company was renamed to Smith, Beck and Beck, as Richard Beck’s brother Joseph Beck joined the company in 1851. James Smith retired in 1865 and the company became R & J Beck and this name lasted for long time. In 1866, Richard Beck died at an early age of 39, and Joseph Beck carried on the business. In 1895 the company became a limited partnership (R & J Beck Ltd). 

The microscope stands 25.5cm (10″) high when retracted and 32cm (12.5″) high when extended.