Fantastic Antique E. Leitz Wetzlar Microscope. Leitz Wetzlar with Original Case. New York, 1895

This amazing Antique microscope is a real museum piece: an E. Leitz microscope made in New York in 1895, in great condition and working order and in its original case. The instrument comes with two wooden stands designed to hold the lenses and eyepieces in their respective brass sleeves. The piece is in amazing condition: the transparent lacquer that protects the brass surface is wonderfully preserved and so are the chromed-metal and iron component parts. The microscopes brass foot bears the following engraved inscription: Leitz Wetzlar Nº 38714 Filiale. New York. The sentence includes the instruments serial number and tells us that it was made in the New Yorker branch of the German firm. The parent company was founded in Wetzlar, Germany by Carl Kellner in 1849. Kellner revolutionized the optic material market, especially in the field of microscopes, with his new designs and ideas. He died in 1855 and his widow took over the company. In 1864 the engineer Ernst Leitz entered the firm; his knowledge and push took the firm again to a leading position. Four years after, Leitz took over the business and renamed in Optical Institute of Ernst Leitz Wetzlar. This fascinating microscope is a very special piece, mainly because of its ancient age. Instead of the classic black-lacquered cast-iron foot it has an attractive golden-brass horseshoe-shaped foot. It mounts a three-lens revolving nosepiece; the lenses are also made and signed by the manufacturer. The case where the instrument comes is the original one a gorgeous mahogany wooden box in amazing condition that preserves the lock and the key in working order. The wooden surface bears a lovely French-polish finish that protects and enhances it. The case also keeps the original brass carrying handle. Complete and very antique, this wonderful microscope will delight every collector and lover of turn-of-the-century scientific instruments. Measurements: Width: 5.1 in / 13 cm. Height: 13.7 in / 35 cm