A very complete set of the Bausch & Lomb “Model” microscope that was made from 1883-1896.  It is signed, “A Bausch & Lomb, Optical Co.”, on the stage, and comes with its original three eyepieces and two lenses.  The closed height is either 12 ¼” or 13 ¼”,  depending upon which eyepiece is in place.  The limb design was attributed to Gundlach when he was with the Bausch & Lomb firm. This design was both practical and popular, and lasted well into the 20^th century.  The eyepieces are numbered as 2”, 1”, and ¾”.  The lenses are a ¾” and 1/8”, both signed with original signed brass canisters by Bausch & Lomb.  The original optical system is superb for its era, producing excellent images of high contrast, sharpness, bright color, and extreme flatness of field.  Coarse focus is rack and pinion, and fine focus is achieved with a micrometer knob on top of the limb.  The mirror is plano-concave, excellent on the plane side, and showing age spotting on the concave side.  The mirror can rotate on a compass joint so that it can be used above stage for oblique illumination of opaque subjects.  The substage condenser is a wheel of stops.  The microscope is finished in lacquered brass with a black painted base.  The finish is complete with some spotting to the optical tube and stage.  A mahogany case with brass carry handle and interior accessory drawer holds the microscope and its accessories.  The case is in very fine, usable condition with lock but no key, and noting some typical age cracks to the back.  This is a very fine example of an early American instrument – made all the more interesting by its accompaniment of accessories.  Its rare, fine condition makes a handsome display, while its excellent optical system makes it a joy to use.

Item 1407