Antique R & J Beck Compound Microscope. England, Circa 1890

Striking antique R & J Beck compound microscope made in England circa 1890, in fine condition and in working order. The microscope comes in its original mahogany wooden case, with a finely preserved lock and key set. It includes a set of two eyepieces and two objectives the lenses are marked with the manufacturers name at the body and the brass sleeves. The microscope is entirely made of brass and preserves the original transparent lacquered finish, which provides the metal with a noble and warm patina. The only pieces which are not brass are the sample plate, the shutter and the mirrors holder, all of them made of black-enameled metal. The microscope mounts a horseshoe foot, a double-sided mirror and a rack-and-pinion system in perfect working order. The original shutter is also fully operative and remains finely preserved. At the back side of the microscopes foot we can see the manufacturers name and the devices serial number engraved in the metal: R J BECK LTD. LONDON 24125. The adjusting and focus screws and the rest of the mobile component parts move fluidly and softly, turning the use of the microscope into a really pleasant activity. Every lover of old-time microscope will appreciate the beauty and the authenticity of this antique R & J Beck compound microscope, in wonderful condition. Dimensions: Width: 5.12 in /13 cm. Height: 12.6 in /32 cm.R. & J. Beck History In 1847, Richard and Joseph Beck founded the company R. & J. Beck in London. They were nephews of Joseph Jackson Lister, a renowned English optician and physicist who made important experiments with achromatic lenses. The firm made a wide range of optical instruments: microscopes, telescopes, trench periscopes, optometry lenses and camera lenses, among other. R. & J. Beck products were popular for its good quality and affordable price. One of their plate cameras was used by the famous British Army officer Thomas E. Lawrence, best known as Lawrence of Arabia. In 1880 the company started making the first true reflex camera. In 1895 R. & J. Beck became a limited partnership, and in 1947 it was listed as an exhibitor at the British Industry Fair.