Antique Cuff Type Microscope by G. Richardson. London, circa 1770

Antique Cuff microscope by G. Richardson, made in London in 1770 and in really good condition. This amazing scientific instrument is in working order and comes with a set of five lenses, as well as various accessories. The storing case is original from the period too; it is made of mahogany wood and shows off a gorgeous design that makes a perfect match with the fine microscopes look. The article is entirely made of brass and the metal is in excellent condition. This is quite a surprising feature as the piece is almost 230 years old. The golden surface shows off the fine patina created by the trace of time, a feature that provides the item with interest and charm. The microscopes stage bears the hand-engraved manufacturers name and address in elegant cursive lettering: G. Richardson, Leadenhall St., LONDON. The instrument stands on a mahogany wooden square base with a small drawer. The drawer has inside compartments to organize the lenses and the rest of the accessories that come with the microscope. The storing case contains another drawer designed to store the samples and the material to prepare them. The case boasts a stylized design shaped as a truncated pyramid. It preserves the top brass ring and remains finely preserved, keeping the original French-polish finish that provides the wood with protection, glow and depth. This antique Cuff microscope by G. Richardson is the ideal article to complete a good collection of old-time scientific devices. Measurements: Bases Side: 6.2 in / 15.5 cm. Height: 16.6 in / 41.5 cm.Cuff Microscopes Characteristics and History Cuff microscopes are named in honor of John Cuff, a manufacturer of lenses and spectacles that lived in the 18th century. Cuff improved the design of the model created by E. Culpeper, which was then commonly used. Cuffs design replaces the three pillars that support the stage and the mechanism in Culpepers models by two metal pieces supported by two curved legs. One of these pieces is fixed and the other slides along the first one. Cuff also included a cruciform stage which made easier to manipulate samples and specimens, and improved the focusing mechanism. These microscopes became quite popular between the late 18th century and the early 19th century and many European manufacturers started producing them. Nevertheless, John Cuff was a poor businessman and was declared bankrupt in 1750, though he kept on making microscopes until 1758. (Source: http://golubcollection.berkeley.edu/18th/18.html)