Antique Swift & Son Microscope. England, Circa 1920

Fine antique microscope signed by Swift & Son, in very good condition and great working order. This article is dated circa 1920 and boasts a simple and elegant design. It comes with some accessories and can be stored in its original case, a lovely solid-mahogany wooden box in amazing condition. The microscopes foot is made of black-lacquered cast iron; the finish is in great condition and scarcely shows any signs of the trace of time. At the back we can see the engraved manufacturers name and address: SWIFT & SON UNIVERSITY ST. LONDON. The stage with the clips is circular in shape and has a central hole (with a diaphragm) to let the light in. It has a glass top too with a small crack that does not interfere at all in the microscopes good performance. Under the stage we can see a double-sided mirror mounted in a brass frame. The turret and the tuning screws are also made of brass; they all preserve the original transparent lacquered finish in very good condition. The microscope comes with an accessory set containing three lenses (one of them with the makers signature) and two eyepieces. The storing case looks really good, with the mahogany wood boasting its fine reddish color under the French-polish finish. It keeps the original brass handle and the lock and key set in working order. This antique Swift & Son microscope is a collectors piece that we can easily picture in a fascinating science laboratory from the early 20th century. Measurements: Height (Medium Position): 13.78 in / 35 cm.History of J. Swift & Son microscopes 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.