Good example of an unusual Victorian microscope in a fitted wooden case complete with a range of original accessories and lenses.
The microscope itself is made of lacquered brass on a horse shoe shaped foot. It tilts, has a rack and pinion main focus and additional fine focus on the back of the tube. It has a square brass stage with an adjustable mirror below.
What makes this microscope special is it comes with a "Micro-Telescope" attachment that fits below the stage when the mirror is removed, turning it from a microscope into a telescope.
The rear of the foot is signed "F Davidson & Co, London W"
and the tube is signed "TheDevon (Regd) Micro-Telescope", "F Davidson & Co. 29 Gt Portland St. London W. Patent No. 13251/12"
It comes with a full set of 4 objective lenses, each marked "Davon" and in their original lens cases. It also comes with two eyepiece lenses for the microscope tube. In addition to the lenses there is a condensing lens attachment for below the stage, some tweezers, a live box, forceps, a silvered reflecting plate on a long brass arm and a brass box of metal blanking plates of different shapes. There is also a rotating pinhole wheel to fit below the stage, although this has had some repair work done at some point.
The microscope appears to be in good working order and I have set it up and tested it with a few old slides. The telescope also produces a clear picture. I'm sure the lenses would probably benefit from a clean but they produce a clear and bright image all the same and the microscope was easy to focus.
It is all in good condition for its age. It has been used and will have normal signs of wear so please don't expect it to be like new. There are some small knocks and light scratches on the base and some tarnishing on the brass. The lenses have small specks of dirt on and although in working order it is really being sold as a decorative / collectors item rather than a scientific instrument. The microscope has been cleaned and lightly polished and it displays beautifully.
The whole set up comes in its original fitted case with sections to hold the lenses, eyepiece tubes and accessories. The box is good quality with a brass carrying handle. There is a maker's plaque on the top of the box and it comes with its original working key. It has had some internal repairs at some point and the holders for the lenses have been replaced but it has been done well and it displays beautifully. There are some general signs of age and light marks on the box and a small split in the back panel but overall it is strong and sturdy. The box measures a compact 10 1/2" high X 7 1/2" wide X 6" deep.
