Description

Antique Ernst Leitz Wetzlar – Monocular Brass Microscope – circa 1919, Cased

Offered for sale is an original condition example of a mid-size Leitz monocular model in brass, supplied with a good quality matching-numbers hardwood storage case.  This example appears to be a model GF as shown in the 1913 Leitz catalogue – see final image in listing photo stream.  This example was retailed in the UK by Broadhurst & Clarkson Ltd of London, with markings to that effect on both instrument and case.

Here we have an example of an antique monocular brass microscope by Ernst Leitz of Wetzlar in Germany, bearing production reference number 188008, which according to my Leitz dating table means that this example was manufactured in around 1919 so just after the end of WWI.  The condition is generally acceptable, with age-related tarnishing, lacquer loss and use appropriate signs of wear to the finish on the instrument and just the right time worn look fro the period.  This example has a set of eyepieces and objective lenses which look to be original to the instrument.  Being a mid-sized instrument it’s a good proposition for display, say on a desk-top when set up with a suitable antique slide – and it’s also perfectly usable producing some nice sharp images.

Turning to the main technical details of this monocular microscope, we have the following:

1)  A y-shaped foot in black finish with single upright to pivot point with tension adjustment available as required.  The instrument tilts for inclined viewing, holding in position as it should.  The upper limb is Lister-style also in black gloss finish.  There’s a monocular eyepiece unit with graduated chromed draw-tube, with two useful eyepieces all by Leitz giving magnification options as under:

– 10x magnification No. 4
– 6x magnification No. 2 

2)  The instrument’s main focus is controlled via a pair of brass thumb-wheels located at the top of the limb which move the optical tube – travel and focus are both very good with the optical tube holding in position as it should.  Fine focus is via a second set of thumb-wheels on the upper limb. 

3)  There are four objective lenses on the triple turret, as follows:

– Unbranded – approx 6x
– 10x – Leitz No. 3
– 45x  – Leitz No. 6
– 100x – 1/12th inch by F. Koristka – oil immersion required

The objective lenses and eyepieces supplied therefore provide an effective magnification range from around 36x up to a theoretical 1,000x magnification when using the highest power lens/eyepiece combination along with an immersion technique and very good lighting.

4)  The stage is of a square design in brass.  It’s currently fitted with a pair of modern slide clips for holding slides steady which work quite well.

5)  Below stage there’s an Abbe-type condenser by Leitz in a friction-fit plug-in mount with smoothly operating iris and a standard 30mm swing-out filter carrier.  The condenser assembly is on a helical screw mount giving height adjustment and swing-out facility as shown in the listing photos.

6)  Lighting is provided by plano-concave mirror on a gimbal mount with height and swing adjustment and near-perfect silvering to both sides.

7)  There is a matching numbers hardwood case with internal racking, storage case for the objectives by Leitz, sundries container, carry-handle along with working lock & key.  The case is in pretty good condition for its age, with some minor loss of finish to the exterior surfaces. 

8)  Accessory:

– fixed stop insert with three aperture sizes that can be used instead of the condenser.

In summary, this is a nice clean example of a vintage Leitz monocular microscope with charming exterior patination in reasonable condition for its age.  This example may therefore appeal to collectors as well as specialists seeking a usable brass instrument from well-known makers Leitz.

Despite its mid-size dimensions this is also quite a heavy microscope especially with the wooden storage case, so owing to its weight it will be partially dismantled, very well packed and dispatched by insured courier upon receipt of cleared funds. 

Please also study the photos as they form part of the description.

Thanks for looking.