Antique Ernst Leitz Wetzlar Microscope. Germany, 1907

Gorgeous antique Ernst Leitz Wetzlar microscope made in Germany in 1907, as the serial number 102416 engraved on the turret tells us. This amazing device, entirely original from the time, preserves all its component parts and pieces in great working order. It mounts a three-lens revolving nosepiece with 3 objectives signed by the maker, and an original eyepiece (also by E. Leitz). The microscope is mounted on a black-lacquered horseshoe metal foot, greatly preserved. The brass component parts which make up the top part keep the original transparent protecting lacquer, which provides them with a lovely old-time patina. The brass shows some signs of the trace of time, logical otherwise in such an antique item and which do not interfere at all in its beauty or its working order. The rack-and-pinion system moves smoothly and makes it possible to slide the turret in order to focus the samples accurately. This antique Ernst Leitz Wetlzar microscope is a good example of this brands products quality: it is a real collectors item. Dimensions: Width: 4.92 in / 12.5 cm. Depth: 6.69 in / 17 cm. Height: 13.39 in / 34 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).