Description

Described as a student (No.3), second class bearing serial number 931, this monocular microscope is a pleasing combination of bright and anodised brass. Rarely used and housed in it’s original mahogany case, this 14 inch model is mechanically and optically perfect.

Signed Smith and Beck, 6 Coleman Street, London, the early serial number would indicate a production date of 1855 with two oculars and a cased 1 1/2 objective. There are a few empty slots in the box for forceps ( easily replaced), live box (have spares)  and a packet of light stops ( now located -see last photo).

Cosmetically, the golden lacquer is 99%. Slight wear to square stage with sliding blued tines, this model is simplistic and very stable on it’s reverse claw foot. Fine focus to the rear of the pillar, flawless rack and pinion having a minimum height of 14 inches and a max. of 18 inches. Simple substage for the light stops, it can incline to 90  degrees. Very good double sided plano concave mirror.

The mahogany case measures 15 x 7 x 5 inches with functional lock (no key as of yet). A pleasing and early signed student model from the production shop of Smith and Beck (established 1847 at the Coleman Street address).