Description

Signed and dated “Powell and Lealand, 170 Euston Road, London 1858”, this monocular microscope has seen a lot of low magnification use. Installed with a 2 inch and 2/3 (1/4) inch objectives (covered/uncovered in two parts as was the norm), the surviving accessories are all for gross anatomical/physiological use including: frog/fish plate, live box (sans top hat), stage concave silvered reflector and hand forceps. The previous owner upgraded the optics to include a 1/6 and 1/12 objective (signed with correction collar).

Standing 19 inches tall fully racked up, this impressive microscope retains about 70% of it’s original lacquer (main loss is on the  legs from constant case removal). Tripod arrangement with corked feet, bronze centering and rotating substage with two part condenser (rack and pinion), large double sided articulating mirror (some spidering to both sides), square rotating mechanical stage (in brass and bronze) with side bar vernier scale and dual controls for the right hand. Rack and pinion coarse adjustment with fine adjustment knob to the rear of the limb. Interestingly, the nose has been equipped for what appears to be an insert for an optical prism, although the box/slot is locked by a small steel bar (for conversion or polarizing?). 

The upper body tube is in good cosmetic and optical order retaining 99% of it’s lacquer (one scratch noted) and surmounted by an eyepiece. The P&L angled side arm braces are intact and in fine condition. The rack is missing three teeth at the upper end (see photo) from hard impact due to improper shipping 50 years ago. After this area of slippage, the action is smooth and tight.

The original mahogany case measures 17 x 10 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches with inserts to accomodate the microscope knobs and accessory case (now lacking), original lock (no case lock plate) and robust folding, brass carrying handle to the top.

Powell and Lealand opened their factory on Euston Road in 1858, making this one of their first production microscopes in their new digs. Although the new postal system was installed just prior to this date, the signature does not bear the N.W. of later microscopes made at the same facility.

Noting it’s faults, all in all an early and good example of the master’s work.