Antique C. Reichter Microscope. Austria, Circa 1890

Superb antique C. Reichter microscope made in Austria in the late 19th century (circa 1890) and in its original storing case. This complete device is in very good condition and comes with an accessory set including three eyepieces and three objectives. Two of the lenses are signed by Reichter and the other was made by Leitz. The microscope is in fine working order; it combines a very decorative aesthetic and a flawless functionality. All its component parts are original except for one of the stage clips, which was added later. It mounts a two-lens revolving nosepiece, and its structure mixes black-lacquered cast-iron component parts, brass pieces and silvery metal elements. The brass parts still preserve the original transparent protecting varnish. This finish provides the metal with a fine patina, and at the same time it has protected if from rust and wear for more than one hundred years. The turret bears the manufacturers name C. REICHTER engraved in the metal, together with the address of the factory in Wien and the serial number 10089. The inscription is engraved in a lovely classic lettering and is inscribed in a frame with decorative volutes. The brand name is also engraved at the back of the microscopes foot. The storing case is made of solid mahogany wood and preserves the original brass handle. Inside it is entirely compartmented and is equipped with wooden pieces and parts that help stabilize the microscope and the accessories so they can be carried without being damaged. Its powerful presence turns this antique C. Reichter microscope into a highly decorative and interesting item. It will be the perfect gift for a lover of scientific antiques. Measurements: Height: 12.6 in / 32 cm.C. Reichter History The microscope company Reichter was founded by Carl Reichter, son-in-law of Ernst Leitz, in 1876. After learning the business with Leitz, he moved to Vienna, Austria and started his own company. By 1930 they had already manufactured their 100000th microscope. The firm carved a niche in the microscope-manufacturing field and kept on in business for some decades, but in 1962 the family sold the company to the American Optical Company. Six years after, this firm was acquired in turn by the pharmaceutical company Warner Lambert. After some mergings, in 1999 Reichter gave up making instruments and started preparing samples for transmission electron microscopes.