Impressive Ernst Leitz Wetzlar Professional Microscope. Ca. 1920.

Impressive German Ernst Leitz Wetzlar Professional Microscope, high quality. Its year of manufacture is around 1920 although its state of preservation is magnificent. It highlights its surface with a nice original lacquer still shiny despite the time elapsed, in its natural color, with some parts in iron lacquered in black. Attached are two eyepieces (No. 2 and No. 4), three lenses (1/12, 3, 6), with the original protectors included. The mark is engraved in a perfectly clear way: Ernst Leitz Wetzlar, serial number: 225020. The mark appears engraved on other pieces of the machinery indicating that they are all original. It shows minimal signs of use, and is in a perfect aesthetic condition. Likewise, the optical condition is extraordinary. The operation of its mechanism is smooth and fluid, and the mirror has an impeccable surface on both sides. It comes with its original wooden carrying case, which also contains a set of optical elements signed by the same manufacturer. It attaches a totally original key. The protective case has a golden handle on its upper part, which facilitates its transport. The first microscopes were just magnifying glasses that had the power to magnify objects about 6x - 10X, and were mainly used to see fleas and other small insects. By the year 1590 two Dutch spectacle makers, Zacharias Jansen and his father Hans began experimenting with these lenses, placing them at the end of a tube that magnified things greatly. From then on, different scientists embarked on the adventure of trying to achieve the sharpest possible vision of microscopic things. Karl Kellner founded the Institute of Optics in Wetzlar, Germany, in 1849. Although he began by making high-quality telescopes, it was a microscope that would eventually become the company's main product within a few years. In 1865 the company hired Ernst Leitz, who would end up taking charge of the company, changing its name to Ernst Leitz Institute of Optics, and achieving considerable growth in the company's reputation. He would develop important advances in the different models of microscopes of the brand as time went by. At the beginning of the 20th century he developed a series of models such as the present one with a modern appearance, as well as great advances in terms of vision and illumination of the devices. When Ernst Leitz dies in 1920, his son Ernst Leitz II becomes the sole owner of the company, continuing his father's work in innovation for the rest of the century. Magnificent piece for discerning nostalgic collectors! Measures: 42 cm (extended height).