Antique Swift & Son Microscope. England, Circa 1920

Attractive antique Swift & Son microscope in very good condition, made in England circa 1020. This instrument is original from the time and preserves all its original components except for the diaphragm located under the stage, currently missing. Though it does not include this element, the microscope is in perfect working order and can be used to watch samples. The foot is a solid black-enameled cast-iron tripod in good condition, with just slight signs of wear at the legs. Under the foot, a silvery-metal cylindrical piece holds the double-sided mirror (flat/concave). Though it is somewhat worn, it still fulfills perfectly its light-reflection duty. The sample stage preserves the two clips designed to hold the glass plates in its place while observing them. Over the stage rests the brass turret, connected to the iron foot by a cylindrical element of the same metal. The turrets rack is in excellent condition and boasts a fluid operation. The focus screws are also made of brass and show a soft fine movement. The lens and the eyepiece are original from the time and remains in perfect working order too. All the brass component parts are well preserved, with no traces of rust or wear and with the original protecting lacquer in great condition. At the microscopes foot we can see the engraved manufacturers name and city: J. SWIFT & SON LONDON. This lovely antique Switf & Son microscope will stand out in an elegant study or the office of a lover of scientific antiques. Measurements: Height: 13.78 in / 35 cm.J. Swift & Son - History The history of the J. Swift & Son microscope business starts out in 1853 when James Powell Swift, who had been an apprentice with Andrew Ross, opened his own business in London together with his brother Mansell Powell. In 1872 the business was located in 43 University Street, near Tottenham Court Road. In 1872 James Swifts brother, Edgard, entered the company to manufacture lenses. In 1881 the business moves to its definite location in 81 Tottenham Court Road, London W. In 1903 the founders grandson, Mansell Powell Hohn Swift, joins the company; three years later James Powell Swift dies. In 1912 the company is incorporated as a limited company. After many vicissitudes, in 1946 E.R. Watson & Sons takes over the firm. Eventually, in 1968 John H. Basset, who entered the company in 1949, purchased the firm and joined it to its own microscope business.