Description

Antique Ernst Leitz Wetzlar – Monocular Brass Microscope – Stand 1B circa 1901, Cased

Offered for sale is a good working condition example of a compact Leitz monocular Stand 1B model in brass, supplied with a correct matching-numbers hardwood storage case.

Here we have a good example of an antique monocular brass microscope by Ernst Leitz of Wetzlar in Germany, bearing production reference number 62839, which according to my Leitz dating table means that this example was manufactured in 1901.  The condition is generally pretty good, with evident age and use appropriate signs of wear to the finish on the instrument and about the right time worn look to its brass-work – it seems to me that the black paint finish to the foot has been re-applied at some stage.  This example has a nice set of eyepieces and objective lenses by Leitz, along with a later Leitz over-stage and may well therefore be quite a sought-after classic model notwithstanding its signs of wear and patination, in view of the quality manufacturer, good optics and completeness of the instrument.  Being a compact 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 images.

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

1)  Construction is in brass with tuning-fork shaped foot, single upright to pivot with continental-style pillar and upper limb.

2)  A monocular eyepiece unit with graduated chromed draw-tube, with three useful eyepieces all by Leitz giving a range of magnification as under:

– 10x magnification No. 4
– 6x magnification No. 2 
– 5x magnification No. 1

3)  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 good with the optical tube holding in position as it should.  Fine focus is via a single thumb-wheel atop the column that also has a smooth action.  The upper limb on this model of microscope is designed to tilt and holds in position on inclination and can be tightened via a tension lever as required. 

4)  There are four good quality objective lenses on the triple turret, as follows:

Leitz No. 3 – 10x
Leitz No. 6
Leitz No. 7
Leitz 1/12th inch – oil immersion required – 100x
(all objectives Leitz brass storage canisters)

The objective lenses and eyepieces supplied therefore provide an effective magnification range from around 50x up to a theoretical 1,000x magnification when using the highest power lens/eyepiece combination along with an immersion technique and very good lighting.

5)  The stage is of a square design in brass with an ebonite top layer.  It’s currently fitted with a later Leitz mechanical over-stage with above-stage x/y controls, which works very well.  The over-stage attaches via a single screw and there are two locating pins to ensure correct alignment.  The over-stage has one fixed and one sprung slide retention arm.

6)  Below stage there’s an Abbe-type condenser by Leitz, with smoothly operating iris and centering via a horizontal rack & pinion system, which also swings out as demonstrated in the listing photos.  Filters can also be added to a recess directly above the iris, as may be required.  The condenser/mirror assembly sits in a mount with vertical height adjustment via a rack & pinion system with single-sided thumb-wheel control.

7)  Lighting is provided by plano-concave mirror on a gimbal mount with additional height adjustment and generally good silvering to both sides.

8)  There is a matching numbers 62839 hardwood case with internal racking, carry-handle along with a cupboard latch to keep the door closed – lock is present but key missing.  The case is in pretty solid condition for its age, with some loss of finish to the exterior surfaces. 

In summary, this is a nice clean example of a vintage Edwardian era Leitz monocular microscope in good condition for its age, with extensive characterful age-related patination.  This example may therefore appeal to collectors as well as specialists seeking a quality brass instrument from well-known makers Leitz.

Despite its compact 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.