Description

Top mounted Cary/Gould pocket field microscope in mahogany case-complete c.1830.

Although unsigned, it is very similar to those produced by Carpenter and Westley with a lift out tray (facsimile instructions below) with 4 objectives (3 stacking and one for use as a simple microscope). Good optics with the five inch body tube employed. 1 1/2 inch (4 cm.) single sided mirror has one spot of silvering loss (center). Good rack and pinion focusing to the stage which accommodates sliders (with microphotographs instead of biological samples) or B/W disc, glass inserts, live box. Stage and hand held forceps also included. All in all, not a bad example noting that some pratt in the past has used pliers to free the stem from the box (a little oil goes a long way) and the lid has been cracked (probably for the same reason). 

The instrument stands 10 inches (25 cm.) tall when assembled and retains 95% of it’s original lacquer. The mahogany case measures 6 x 4 1/2 x 2 inches deep (15 x 11 x 5 cm.) with brass ferrule in lid and intact lock (no key). Not a bad instrument and priced to sell quickly.