Antique Steward Microscope, London. England, C. 1880

Antique English microscope made circa 1880, signed by the prestigious London manufacturer J. H. Steward and in good working order. The microscope boasts a simple and nostalgic design, remaining in good condition and with the fine patina created by the trace of time. It comes in its original solid-wooden case and comes with a series of accessories, all of them antique and quite well preserved. The microscopes base is a flat cast-iron V-shaped piece; the instrument stands on two wavy side legs that rest on top of the base. The manufacturers name and address are clearly engraved in this piece: J. H. STEWARD 406 STRAND LONDON.The rack that connects the sample plate with the turret is in great condition and makes it possible to move the lens fluidly and zoom it in or out. The rest of the microscopes mobile component parts also show a soft operation and generate a proper performance. The microscope comes with a lens, an eyepiece and a live box (a capsule to watch live specimens). It mounts a one-sided flat mirror under the sample plate. The storing case is a sober solid-mahogany wooden box with a small drawer which contains materiales to prepare samples.Complete and evocative, this antique compound microscope signed by J. H. Steward is a great example of the quality optical instruments made in the late 19th century.Measurements: Height (Medium Position): 12.20 in / 31 cm.History of J. H. Steward James Henry Steward (1817 1896) established J.H. Steward in London in 1852. The company produced a large range of items for military use. As Head Optician he would have been a qualified oculist but little is known about the founders early life and scholastic achievements. However, given the variety of disciplines for which he was an accredited instrument maker, he was clearly a gifted scholar and impressively gained professional recognition in a full range of fields for an instrument maker of his day. Soon his sons entered the firm, each one managing a satellite workshop. Over the years, Steward started selling instruments made by other manufacturers but with their name on them.