Description

Quite large, the mahogany case measuring 9.25″ x 5.5″ x 3 ” (23.5 x 14 x 7.5 cm ), signed around one of the circular stages, ‘Bancks & Son, London. Inst’ Makers TO HIS MAJESTY’.

Robert Bancks also know as Banks, c. 1825.

The case holds a 1.5″ mirror (milky), two circular stages, six objectives numbered 1 – 6, five slides (three ebony & two bone), two lieberkuhns, a frog plate, stage forceps, live box, tweezers. The microscope retains its original lacquer.

The rack to the inside of the upright column has come away at one end, it has previously been soldered but has not held, therefore the pinion will not connect to the rack. All the teeth are present. The plate holding the pinion wheel in position requires the correct size screws. Please see pictures. The small rack wheel to the top of the horizontal arm does not work. The pinion wheel has worn down significantly. If these issues can be addressed competently the owner will have a very nice microscope.

A very similar microscope like this sold for £3240 on 19th April 2011 ( see below; Bonhams, Knightsbridge, Fine Mechanical Music and Scientific Instruments, lot 159,  ‘A rare Robert Banks travelling simple microscope’ ).

Bonhams : A rare Robert Banks travelling simple microscope, English, circa 1825,