Antique Leitz Wetzlar Microscope. Storing Case. Germany, 1908

Antique Leitz Wetlzar microscope with storing case, made in Germany in 1908 and in good condition. This fine-looking device is entirely original from the time and remains in working order, making it possible to watch samples. It comes in its original solid-mahogany case, amazingly preserved and with the original lock-and-key set in working order. The microscope bears the serial number 101521 engraved in the foot; this number matches the ones which we can see at the storing case and the card. The design boasts the classic turn-of-the century aesthetic, with black-lacquered metal horseshoe foot and brass body. The brass component parts preserve the original protecting lacquer and look really good, being also fully functional. The rack-and-pinion system is in excellent condition and moves fluidly. The microscope mounts a three-lens revolving nosepiece and a double-sided mirror. The shutter located under the sample plate is in working order, though the operating pin is missing. This antique Leitz Wetzlar microscope with storing case and three-lens revolving nosepiece is a collectors piece, functional and decorative. Dimensions: Width: 3.94 in / 10 cm. Height: 13.78 in / 35 cm. Depth: 5.51 in / 14 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).