Rare Antique E. Leitz Wetzlar Traveling Microscope. Leitz Wetzlar. Germany, 1929

Very rare E. Leitz Wetlzar portable miroscope made in Gemany in 1929, with the original carrying suitcase and a set of three lenses. This is a very interesting item for collectors because of its rare quality, excellent condition and manufacturers prestige. It is complete and remains in superb condition. The microscope mounts a three-lens revolving nosepiece, black-enameled metal foot and brass and chrome-plated mobile component parts. Both materials are finely preserved: the enamel looks soft and even and the brass keeps the original protecting lacquer. All the component parts are in great working order, from the rack-and-pinion system to the fine adjustment. The stage includes a mechanical micrometrical adjustment system to move the samples without touching them. At the back of the microscope we can see the name E. LEITZ WETZLAR engraved in the metal; this name can also be seen at the turret, with the serial number Nº 273941. The spare lenses and eyepieces are also signed by the maker. The accessory set includes an oil flask for the maintenance of the oil-immersion objective. The suitcase is in good condition too: at the top we can see a paper sheet with the name of the original owner of the microscope, a physician and surgeon. Inside we find a sheet with the factory specifications with the handwritten serial number. Special and decorative, this very rare E. Leitz Wetzlar portable microscope will stand out in any room or collection for its outstanding design and good working order. Dimensions: Width: 8 in / 29 cm. Heigth: 14.8 in / 36 cm.Ernst Leitz Wetzlar History The beginnings of the famous optic material manufacturing company named Ernst Leitz Wetzlar can be found in the first half of the 19th century, when the mechanic and selft-taught mathematician Carl Kellner founded the Carl Kellner Optisches Institut in Wetlzar, Germany. After his early death his widow maintained the business, and in 1864 the mechanical engineer Ernst Leitz entered the company. Just five years later, Leitz took control of the firm and changed its name for Ernst Leitz Wetzlar. Leitz led the company to success after introducing improvements such as serial production, raising sales volume rapidly after 1871. Leitz microscopes included technical improvements that increased their quality; by the late 19th century the company already had a worldwide reputation. Ernst Leitz died in 1920 and the leadership of the firm passed to his son. As well as for their microscopes and optic material, Leitz became hugely famous for their famous Leica cameras (abbreviation of Leitz Camera).