Antique Carl Zeiss Jug-Handle Microscope. Germany, Circa 1905

Striking antique Carl Zeiss jug-handle microscope made in Germany circa 1905, in very good condition and fine working order. This type of design appeared in the early 20th century as a variation of the standard design and consisted in including a handle at the top of the instrument in order to improve its ergonomics. The microscope that we can see in the images mounts a four-lens revolving nosepiece with two Carl Zeiss lenses, one signed by Leitz Wetlzar and one by Baker. It also includes three eyepieces, two by Zeiss and an unsigned one. The microscope is composed of a black-finished horseshoe foot which supports a series of brass component parts, all of them protected by the original transparent lacquer that provides them with a fine patina. At the turret we can see the brand name and the serial number 43500. The rack-and-pinion system is in excellent condition and moves fluidly. If we take a close look at the top of the black foot, we will see an engraved name in a fine cursive lettering: Mary F. Hemingway, probably the original owner of the microscope. The double-sided mirror located under the sample plate is the original one and remains in fine condition too. The mahogany-wooden storing case is also original and preserves the functional lock, but not the key. This exclusive antique Carl Zeiss jug-handle microscope is a very interesting item, perfect for collectors. Dimensions: Width: 7 in / 18 cm. Height: 14.5 in / 37 cm.Carl Zeiss History Carl Zeiss is a leading German company which manufactures optic material, surveying and measurement equipment and medical devices. The company started in 1846 when the optician Carl Zeiss opened his first workshop in Jena, Germany. In 1847 he was already manufacturing microscopes full time. In 1861 Zeiss was considered one of the most important microscope makers in Germany; five years later, the workshop sold their 1000th microscope. In 1847 Ernst Abbe and Otto Schott entered the company and designed improved lenses for Zeiss instruments. Carl Zeiss died in 1888 but his company kept on and began to manufacture and sold other items such as cameras. Today, Zeiss is still active as part of three different corporations.