Description

A fine little survivor of the Victorian age. All brass, cylindrical “insectoscope” for the examination of transparent specimens in the field. Consisting of a single lens behind a blackened top, draw tube and threaded focusing with a tinted glass insert at the midpoint. The specimen (insect wing?) is laid on the glass, the cap with lens compressed over and then the threaded cap adjusted for focus. Magnification is about 5 x. Good optics although if the specimen is too thick, some imperfections of the glass stage insert can be seen (delamination?). The glass insert is NOT removable so it is difficult to know if it is dirty or the glass has been tinted for contrast. The brown two part card case is flawless and the scope itself is nice and tight and shows light wear. Rarely used. Measurements of the case are 2 x 1.5 inches and the brass cylinder extends to almost 3 inches.