
Large Antique Brass Microscope, Henry Crouch of London, circa 1870
A large antique microscope by the well-regarded London maker, Henry Crouch. This rare and early example, being the company's 'Student' model, bears the serial number 598 dating it to the early 1870s. It comes complete with two objectives with brass cannisters, two oculars, a freestanding bullseye condenser, an adjustable stage/slide carrier, and its original fitted case. The turret is engraved "H Crouch, 51 London Wall, London. 598", and the brass cannisters are similarly marked.
Working height 47cm. Case 40cm.
Condition: Coarse and fine focusing both working correctly. Nice crisp optics. Circular glass stage intact and free from cracks, chips etc, but with some delamination to the blackened surface beneath, and a single pin missing from the stage clamp - performance unaffected. The brasswork retains its original lacquer, albeit with a a fair amount of age-related wear and tarnishing, as shown in the images and consistent with this instrument's 150 years or so of age. The substage mirror free from chips and cracks, there is some crazing to the silvering. The fitted case is in good condition, bearing its original French Polish which still retains good colour and shine. Key absent. Microscope slide included, in good condition.









