Description

Offered for sale is an original and very well presented High Power binocular model microscope in lacquered brass finish by W. Watson & Sons Limited of London.  It dates to around 1937 based on the sequential Watson production number of 63516, which is engraved onto the binocular head and comes complete with a lovely storage case that’s also in superb condition.  

This inter-war example is a sound proposition as far as I can tell and has clearly been really well looked after by its former custodians. This example also benefits from a set of original lenses, presents well with hardly any age-related blemishes to its black paintwork or golden lacquer.  In fact, the brass-work really catches the sun and glints with a lovely warm yellow/golden glow as I hope the listing photos demonstrate.  

There’s an extract from a 1930s Watson catalogue at the end of the listing photo-stream confirming that customers could specify the high-power binocular head on any Watson microscope with the exception of the Kima model.  This High Power binocular example 63516 with a rotating mechanical stage, one may think must therefore be based on the Watson Patna model.  However, the dimensions of the foot and limb seem to be more in keeping with the underlying instrument being a Service model, perhaps with the special-order addition of a rotating stage. It certainly is a good looking instrument with excellent optics and a good proposition for a Watson collector with a gap in their collection for an unusual instrument such as this.

On the technical side, the construction is a heavy iron foot, with twin uprights, pivot with lever-operated tension adjustment and Lister-type upper limb also in iron.  Both coarse and fine focus move freely through their working ranges with little wear evident.  There’s a good range of coarse focus movement which should also allow the use of a low-power objective up to perhaps 1.5 or even 2 inches and corresponding high working distance.

Turning to the optics, this Watson microscope comes fitted with a high-power binocular head in lacquered brass that fits into a modified optical tube – all explained in the Watson catalogue extract in the listing photos.  The right hand eyepiece tube is adjustable for focus and there’s thumb-wheel adjustment for inter-ocular separation.  All in all and excellent optical system for those who prefer binocular units.  Note: this version of Watson’s binocular head contains some alloy components containing aluminium, which in contact with brass can over time lead to some electrolytic corrosion producing a white chalky residue.

There’s two sets of vintage eyepieces by Watson that with good illumination produce excellent images:

– 8x magnification
– 10x magnification 

There are two vintage Watson objectives along with a double turret, which rotates freely with a positive feel as the objectives slot into position.  The objectives are as follows:

– 2/3rds inch  -10x magnification
– 1/6th inch – 40x magnification 

(The objectives have appropriate period canisters)

Overall, the range of magnification provided by this Watson Standard therefore ranges from about 60x to a perfectly respectable and usable 400x.

The stage is a Watson circular rotating type with x/y adjusters to the right-hand side, vernier scales, well damped rotation which can be locked and a slide clamping system with sprung arm and two small additional spring steel clips which work well.  The stage does not complete a full 360 degree rotation, managing about 270 degrees before the x/x adjusters catch on the limb.

Turning to the sub-stage, we have an Abbe-type condenser with iris and filter holder contained in a ring mount with centering and height adjustment via a twin sided rack & pinion system. Lighting is via a plano-concave mirror on a brass support arm with height adjustment and gimbal with the benefit of good silvering to both sides.

This is a great visual and working example of Watson’s High Power binocular microscope in brass that’s most likely based upon a modified Service model, with excellent originality, making it quite an interesting proposition for a collector.  It’s in unmolested condition with good optics and it’s essentially a very collectable brass example of this rare-to-market hybrid.  

There’s also a period correct Watson wooden case with replacement brass carry-handle internal storage racking, lock and key are present which is always nice to have.  The case is also in excellent condition with good exterior sheen and just a shrinkage crack to the rear panel.

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

Thanks for looking – please also check out my other listings if you get a chance.