Antique Leitz Micrometric Adjusted, 1910

Antique micrometrical mechanical stage signed by Ernst Leitz Wetzlar, made in Germany in 1910 and in good condition and working order. This piece is designed to be attached to a microscopes stage so the samples can be moved down to the millimeter without touching them. The stage is original from the period except for one of the adjusting screws (the one made of silvery metal); this part was probably changed in the 1940s. It is made of brass, black-lacquered iron and silvery metal; the rulers are clearly engraved in the metal and remain perfectly readable. This antique micrometrical mechanical stage signed by Leitz is a wonderful piece whose precision still surprises us, though being around one hundred years old. Measurements: Width: 5.9 in / 15.5 cm. Depth: 3.5 in / 9 cm.Ernst Leitz Wetzlar History The beginnings of the famous optic material manufacturing company named Ernst Leitz Wetzlar can be found in the first half of the 19th century, when the mechanic and selft-taught mathematician Carl Kellner founded the Carl Kellner Optisches Institut in Wetlzar, Germany. After his early death his widow maintained the business, and in 1864 the mechanical engineer Ernst Leitz entered the company. Just five years later, Leitz took control of the firm and changed its name for Ernst Leitz Wetzlar. Leitz led the company to success after introducing improvements such as serial production, raising sales volume rapidly after 1871. Leitz microscopes included technical improvements that increased their quality; by the late 19th century the company already had a worldwide reputation. Ernst Leitz died in 1920 and the leadership of the firm passed to his son. As well as for their microscopes and optic material, Leitz became hugely famous for their famous Leica cameras (abbreviation of Leitz Camera).