Stylish antique brass microscope in good condition and working order. This item is quite well preserved and shows off a simple and functional design, still quite appealing and efficient. It was made between 1865 and 1870 so it is more than one hundred years old. This lovely instrument preserves all its original component parts and pieces, being all fully operative. The gears and screws move fluidly and softly, so it is a real pleasure to use the microscope to watch samples. The instruments base is made of cast iron, black-colored and in good condition. It is a sturdy stable piece, shaped like a bird claw and with a curious silhouette composed of straight lines. The rest of the microscope stands is supported by this base: it is composed of golden brass component parts except for the oscillating mirror and the sample plate, which are made of cast iron. The brass components (the turret, the arm and the lens) are in amazing condition the metal looks shiny and even, with no traces of rust and preserving the original transparent-lacquer finish. The microscopes turret mounts an only lens, located directly over the sample plate. The plate has a drilled holed that lets the light in from the oscillating mirror located just under it. It also mounts a brass rod with a string: this piece is connected to a mobile iron piece attached to the down side of the sample plate. To focus the lens, the user must operate the round screw located to the right of the microscope. For its simplicity and ancient age, this lovely antique microscope deserves a special piece in a good collection. Measurements: Width: 4.3 in / 11 cm. Height: 6.1 in / 15 cm.