Early 20th Century Handheld Petrographic Microscope
Stock Number: FG_24004
£1500 (incl. shipping worldwide)
This is a rare handheld petrographic microscope, fully functional and pocket-sized. No similar models are known to us.
Dimensions
350 gr 20 cm long with the handle
Circa
1st half 20th century
Country of manufacture
Other
Description
This listing features a unique, pocket-sized handheld petrographic microscope that is fully functional and extremely rare. The design is quite impressive, as demonstrated in the accompanying photos. The microscope includes two optional optical tubes, each offering a different magnification. These tubes slide into a sleeve that can be tilted in and out of the optical axis for viewing thin sections.
Both the analyzer and polarizer can be rotated, with click stops every 45 degrees for the polarizers and markings on the stage that allows for a full 360 degrees of rotation with a milled screwing knob for locking. There is also a slot for a lambda plate (1st order red, etc.) located just above the stage and thin-section holder, although this accessory is missing and may have been optional originally.
For demonstration purposes, I used a quartz wedge (not included in this listing) to showcase the view between crossed polarizers when the optical tube is tilted away from the optical axis. When the handle is unscrewed, the microscope can easily fit into a pouch or pocket.
Although there is no maker’s signature or mark, the high level of craftsmanship suggests a top-tier maker, who likely produced this instrument to special order or in limited quantity.
Ask the Dealer
Dealer information
Gilgamesh
Gilgamesh was the mythological hero of the cultures of ancient West Asia, who set out on a journey in which he sought youth and eternal life.
Fleaglass Gilgamesh is located in Israel. As an archaeologist researching the material culture of the distant past and using the microscope as a powerful research tool, I have collected microscopes for over two decades from this fantastic tool's first 300 years of existence and researched the cultural context of their use. Passion has become an obsession, and I cultivate the complete and almost unique West Asian collection of historical microscopes. Respectively, I put up surplus or exciting items from the collection for sale. I would be happy to advise any interested collector free of charge. I would love to send photos, information and bibliographic references and discuss the sale details of the items offered here for sale.
