Description

Signed Robert Brettell Bate Microscope with case and accessories.  Signature is not on the microscope but in the lid of the case in the form of a trade card.  The trade card lists the address as 21 Poultry, London.  This dates the microscope to between 1824-1847.  The body tube moves in an arc (aquatic motion) and the focusing is very smooth.   The case is in very good condition with what appears to be two shrinkage cracks in the lid.   These cracks can be seen in a few of the images.   The lock looks in great condition but no key.  Accessories include 3 objectives, live box, stage mounted forceps, tweezers, substage screw in diaphragm, 2 glass discs that go in the stage when live box is not being used and 6 glass slides.  The substage mirror has some pitting and the reverse side does not have a mirror but a white opaque surface to diffuse light.  Microscope stands 12 ½ inches tall (31.75 cm) with objective almost touching live box.  The case is 8 ¼ inches long x 6 ¾ inches wide x 3 ¼ inches high (20.95 cm x 17.14 cm x 8.25 cm).