A fine and rare Cuff-type folding chest microscope by John Snart (II) c.1820. Signed with full instruction and advertising label adhered to the inside of the upper lid, this microscope is virtually complete and retains most of it's original golden lacquer.

Standing 14" tall, the rack and pinion operates flawlessly except at the very top (useless area of focussing) where there are two teeth missing as a result of a design flaw-there is a screw or pin directly behind them, weakening their position. The limb is demarkated from 1-6 to correspond to the six objectives (number 6 now missing, although there is a high power objective marked number 6!). The body tube is only marked 4 through 6 (unlike other makers of this model with a Lieberkuhn option). The optics are clear and sharp through all positions and combinations of accessories. All glass beads/lenses are intact. Every slot is filled except for low power objective number 6.

The 2 1/4" plano-concave mirror is virtually flawless with only one small area of spidering on each side-no loss of silvering! The cruciform stage holds the bullseye, forceps and fishplate as well as stage and substage inserts including light condensing cone, Bonanni spring stage, live box, black/white disc and aquatic larva/fish tube.

To round out the accessories there is a hand magnifier, hand forceps, talc box and Lieberkuhn for the sliding Lieberkuhn carrier sleeve. A complete array of opaque (1-6) and transparent ivory sliders (1-12) round out this magnificent example by an obscure maker. The flame Honduran mahogany case measures 11 x 6 x 5 1/4" (280 x 150 x 135 m.m.). with folding end gate and secure brass plate to the underside to support the base and inclination joint of the microscope.

John Snart (II) worked in London from 1799-1832. This instrument bears the 215 Tooley Street address meaning it's manufacture had to have been between 1805 and 1827. Although he advertises a full range of instruments, this is the first I have seen. Magnificent construction and machining of all parts (roped knurling of edges, thick and heavy brass casting-no cut corners!).

Payment may be made by cash, cheque, bank draft, wire transfer but NO Paypal.