Antique Smith, Beck & Beck Binocular Microscope. England, Circa 1880

Superb antique binocular Smith, Beck & Beck binocular microscope made in England circa 1880. This item is in fine condition and is a really complete piece: it comes in its original solid wooden case with an ancient professional accessory set. The microscope works perfectly and is finely preserved. The brass pieces look somewhat worn by the trace of time and use, but still preserve part of the original transparent lacquered finish which provides them with personality. The accessory set includes two eyepieces and three lenses, one of them being a very rare piece. The microscope shows an attractive and original design. The triangular foot combines brass and black-enameled iron, creating an interesting color mixture. It bears the manufacturing companys name engraved in the metal surface, SMITH, BECK & BECK LONDON, together with the serial number 4548. As for the accessories, the lenses can be stored in their respective brass sleeves with the manufacturers name and address engraved in the lids in a fine cursive lettering. The set also includes a live box (to watch live specimens) and tweezers to move the samples. The microscope and the accessory set can be stored in a great solid mahogany case, original from the time and with brass handle. With a gorgeous design and more than one hundred and twenty years old, this antique binocular Smith, Beck & Beck microscope is a real museum piece. Measurements: 16.4 in / 41 cmSmith, Beck & Beck - History Smith, Beck & Beck was an optic material manufacturing company founded by James Smith, who was actually hired by Joseph Jackson Lister (a famous designer of lens systems) to create quality equipment for his own devices. In 1841 and with Lister support, Smith was already running his own business in London. In 1847 a nephew of Lister, Richard Beck, was sent as an apprentice to Smiths factory; then, the company changed its name to Smith, Beck & Beck. When James Smith retired in 1865, the company moved to 31 Cornhill, London and as renamed R. & J. Beck.