Description

A compound monocular microscope by R & J Beck of London, circa 1870.

Signed: R & J BECK 31 CORNHILL LONDON 6784

In fitted mahogany case with accessories, lid with retailer’s label for J. Kendall, Barrow-in-Furness.

Height: 46 cm.

Width: 22 cm.

Depth: 16 cm.

Provenance: The microscope collection of Dr Patrick Mill.

Dr Mill notes:

“This instrument unlike earlier examples has a full substage. It comes with a flat mahogany box and is equipped with a wide range of accessories e.g. erecting glass; Lieburkuhn; polarizer & analyser; s/s dark cell holder+3 cells; forceps; glass box. There are 4 objectives – 3”,11/2“, 2/3″,1/5”. There are 3 eyepieces and a Wenham parabolic condenser. Serial 6784.

A label within the box states “from J. Kendell MRCVS Barrow in Furness to R & J Beck 68 Cornhill London JAN 12th [18]95“. The Company were at this address from 1881 to 1994. The Company’s Production book (p 63) shows that the work was given to J. Watson on 16 April 1874 and returned on 8 May.

It was delivered to the Cornhill shop on the 22 May but there is an additional date added later of 28/12/75.”