Lovely rare antique instrument from the Victorian period by Watson – a Research model Jackson-type variant in monocular configuration.  This is probably one for a seasoned Watson collector with a gap in the collection for this type of early scarce-to-market Watson instrument, so please read on if you’re interested in this imposing early example of British optical engineering excellence.

 

Offered for sale we have a fine example of a Jackson pattern microscope by W. Watson & Sons of London.  The Jackson reference refers to the long elegant upper limb in brass, which on this model usually gives sufficient coarse focus travel to allow a 4 inch objective to achieve sharp focus.  According to my Watson dating table, this instrument with serial number 2472 will date to 1890.  The maker’s name being Watson & Sons means it’s definitely post 1882 and also, diagonal cut coarse focus and long lever fine focus also confirm post 1880, so the dating evidence is firm.

 

In terms of condition, the brass-work is showing some fairly minor signs of age and use-related tarnishing and lacquer spotting here and there, although not that bad in reality and overall a nice light aged patination to the instrument.  It still catches the light really well, with overall condition that’s remarkable given the instrument’s age, as I hope the listing photos demonstrate.  All controls and friction surfaces work well, with light re-greasing carried out, along with gentle sensitive cleaning where it was required.

 

The range of magnification available via this antique Watson therefore runs from about 36x to around 600x and the objective fitment is RMS. 

 

The instrument tilts for inclined viewing, holding in position as it should and can be tightened at the main pivot as may be required via the tension level to the right-hand side of the pivot.  The fully mechanical circular stage has twin thumb-wheel x/y adjusters on the right hand side of the stage that work well.  The stage top-plate has an eye-catching design as part of the lacquered finish and is fitted with vernier scales and a specimen slider for holding slides steady during inclined viewing and when the axes are being moved around.  The slide holder runs in dovetail channels and is therefore adjustable for position with just the right resistance to movement so it holds position well.  The slide holder also has a neat slide ejection lever to its left side, which is a useful feature.  The x/y thumb-wheel controls offer a good range of movement and fine control of specimen positioning, with positive feel to the controls and little wear evident.  The circular stage also rotates to left and right as demonstrated, but does not complete a full 360 degree rotation – it manages about 270 degrees before the thumb-wheels catch on the pivot point and it’s also well damped so holds in position on adjustment.  

 

The technical sub-stage comprises the following:

 

– brass ring mount with centering and height adjustment via rack & pinion system with smooth action
– top-fit condenser fitted to ring mount
– working iris
– swing-out rotatable filter carrier

 

Note: the condenser assembly attaches via a horizontal mounting system with set screw to tighten into position.

 

 

Accessories supplied in sundries drawer:

– set of dark-field and oblique stops in small brass canister
– some blank slides and cover-slips along with few Dexter-like blood film slides
– some slide preparation tools

 

There’s the correct original Watson storage case with the instrument, which is quite substantial and in very good cosmetic condition with nice exterior sheen, leather carry-handle, working lock & key, sundries/slider-holder drawer and internal racking for objectives/eyepieces.

Owing to the weight and delicacy of this antique microscope and its accessories, it will be partially dismantled, very well wrapped for shipping and dispatched by insured courier upon receipt of cleared funds.