Fantastic Antique R. & J. Beck Microscope in Original Box. England, 1880

This wonderful golden-brass microscope is a real antiquarys piece, a professional scientific device more than one hundred years old. It is a R. & J. Beck microscope made in London, England in 1880 and in very good condition. The instrument works fine and can still be used to watch samples. It comes in its original solid wooden case and is signed at the base, preserving also the original transparent protecting lacquer. The inscription engraved in the metal reads: R. & J. BECK LTD LONDON 22770, the latter being the devices serial number. This firm was founded in 1847 in London by Richard Beck and his partner, James Smith. Smith retired in 1865 and the company remained in the hands of Richard Beck and his brother Joseph. Then it acquired its definite name, R. & J. Beck, which it maintained for decades. The business manufactured and sold optic material, microscopes, telescopes and cameras among other articles. Curiously enough, British colonel Thomas E. Lawrence (a.k.a. Lawrence of Arabia) used a Beck plate camera. This microscope is a good example of the quality and the beauty of R. & J. Beck products. It is fully made of golden brass (except for the iron sample plate) and mounts a two-lens revolving nosepiece. The microscope come sin it is original mahogany case with a stand for the eyepiece and the lenses. The case also contains a paper sheet with the name of the institution that once owned this microscope: CHELTENHAM LADIES COLLEGE BOTANICAL DEPARTMENT. Any collector of scientific antiques will feel proud to own this stunning antique microscope, a gorgeous and authentic piece. Measurements: Width: 5.1 in / 13 cm. Height: 12 in / 31 cm.