Antique Vernier Microscope, Circa 1900

Striking antique vernier microscope in great condition, with original wooden case and preserving all its component parts and pieces. This instrument comes from Manchester, England; is dated in the early 20th century (circa 1900) and keeps all the beauty and the charming feel of old-period scientific instruments. These microscopes were mainly used for precision measurements, especially when manufacturing metal pieces, when it was essential to detect minimum variations of thickness. They were used by precision lathe operators (to make perfect screws or bolts), goldsmiths and silversmiths (to calculate the gems refraction index), textile workers and industrial labs too. The name Vernier is due to the French mathematician Pierre Vernier, who in 1631 developed the Vernier scale used to perform highly precise measurements. The microscope that we can see in the photographs is composed of a thick black-lacquered cast-iron body, sturdy and heavy, which acts as a base and stabilizes the instrument. At the top of the body we can see a brass ruler with an engraved scale and a series of brass parts, screws and connections. The microscopes turret and the magnifying glass used to read the scale are attached to the iron body, but they can slide along the ruler. The black-enameled iron bears a worn white inscription where we can still read the words MANCHESTER EDUCATION. The rest of the microscopes component parts are in amazing condition, making up a very attractive item for its original quality and great condition. The storing case is an antique solid-mahogany wooden box, original from the period and very well preserved, too. Though the wood shows some signs of wear due to the trace of time and the use, the case is in quite good condition and keeps the antique hinges, shutting hooks and metal handle. The dovetail joints that connect the wooden pieces are very remarkable for its delicate quality and great look. This rare antique vernier-type microscope is a real collectors item, perfect to become part of a complete collection of old-time surveying instruments. Measurements: Total Width: 8.27 in / 21 cm. Body's Height: 7.72 in / 12 cm. Width: 9 in / 23 cm. Depth: 2.6 in / 6.5 cm.