Antique Walter Lawley English Compound Microscope. England, Circa 1880

Wonderful antique English Walter Lawley microscope made circa 1880 and in really good condition. This device stands out for its fine and simple design, old-time charm and excellent working order. Though the fine adjustment does not work as it has one component part missing, the microscope works perfectly and can be used to watch samples. In fact, the rack-and-pinion system is in perfect condition and enables a soft and fluid movement. The microscope comes in its original wooden box, which also contains an accessory set with three elements: an eyepiece, a lens signed by the manufacturer and a live-box (glass capsule to watch live specimens). The device mounts a black-enameled metal foot and different brass component parts. The enameled finish is finely preserved and the same can be said about the brass, which keeps the original transparent lacquer. At the back of the metal foot we can see the manufacturers name engraved by hand: WALTER LAWLEY 78 Farringdon St. LONDON. Walter Lawley was a pawnbroker and optician who worked in London in the 1880s, in a business founded in partnership with his son William. They made optical instruments, especially field cameras (though they also produced microscopes such as the present one). The box where the device and the accessories are stored in is made of solid mahogany wood and remains in great condition. This singular antique English Walter Lawley compound microscope is a museum piece in perfect working order, a good opportunity for collectors. Dimensions: Width: 5.2 in / 13 cm. Height: 13.2 in / 33 cm.