Antique lacquered brass microscope, the'Royal' by Watson & Sons, London. 1920
An antique lacquered brass monocular compound microscope by Watson & Sons of High Holborn, London. This is the company's'Royal' microscope - much rarer, larger and more sophisticated than the more ubiquitous'Edinburgh', it was considered to be one of the company's finest microscopes - a proper research instrument that was marketed alongside the top-of-the-range Van Heurck models and shared many of the same attributes and build quality that made it suitable for professional use.
With a working height of 52cm, the'Royal' stood taller than the more common Edinburgh model - alongside which it is photographed in the fourth image. This particular example, bearing the serial number 24822, dates to around 1920. The instrument stands on an substantial tripod foot engraved Watson & Sons Ltd, 313 High Holborn, London and marked with the serial number. It is fitted with a mechanical stage, substage condenser and triple turret.
Tube adjustment is by twin rack and pinnion with fine focusing by thumbwheel to the rear. The black and white image is an extract from the companys 1928 trade catalogue (stock image). Watson & Sons were opticians and camera makers, founded by William Watson in 1837. The company built a strong reputation for the fine quality of its equipment, ultimately comprising cameras, lenses, telescopes, microscopes and magic lanterns. Overseas buyers, including those in mainland Europe, please be aware that most international sales now attract import charges.
The item "Antique lacquered brass microscope, the'Royal' by Watson & Sons, London. 1920" is in sale since Friday, May 21, 2021.
This item is in the category "Antiques\Science/Medicine\Scientific Instruments". The seller is "james_cumbria" and is located in Penrith, Cumbria. This item can be shipped to all countries in continental Asia, United States, European Union member countries.
- Period: 1901 to 1950
- Antique: Yes
- Material: Brass
- Type: Microscope