Antique W. Watson & Sons Ltd Brass Edinburgh Stand-F Microscope c1918, Cased

This listing is for a rather nice example of an antique Edinburgh Student's model microscope in brass by W. Watson & Sons Limited of London, it's believed to be an Edinburgh model-F. It dates from around 1918 or possibly into 1919, based on the sequential Watson production number of 24169, which is engraved onto the frame, just above the rear tripod foot. It was originally retailed by Watson agents W.

Ltd of 180 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, so in addition, this example may be of interest to collectors in Scotland or those of Scottish descent. Watson produced the Edinburgh model range between 1887 and around 1945; its long production run giving us a firm clue regarding just how good this model of microscope was in its heyday, with the Edinburgh model range comprising a number of variants including slightly more stripped-down versions than the well-known H-model. The Edinburgh stand design with its characteristic rear cross-member was originally developed by Watson in collaboration with a professor and lecturer in bacteriology at the University of Edinburgh, hence the model designation adopted. This Watson Edinburgh is essentially.

An excellent piece of British optical engineering showing its quality from every one of its many intricate parts, based on good materials, solid construction, great design and skilled workmanship with plenty of hand-finishing carried out in this period. Have a detailed look at the quality of the construction, even the brass screws and other furniture really do scream top quality from every component.

This is therefore a sturdy, quality, well-made antique microscope in really good original condition, fully working and all moving parts seem to be mainly free from much in the way of wear. Turning to the technical details, the coarse focus is via rack and pinion which has a good smooth action, with fine focus achieved via a separate thumb-wheel located at the rear of the upper frame which operates an internal lever system and also works nice and smoothly. With the optics, this Watson microscope comes fitted with a period graduated chromed eyepiece draw-tube and a vintage 10x magnification eyepiece. Watson Argus - 40x magnification - 1/8th inch in brass - no maker's name - 50x magnification.

Overall, the range of magnification available with this Watson therefore ranges from about 200x to a perfectly respectable 500x without the need for employing oil immersion techniques and of course additional eyepieces and objective lenses can always be added. The microscope's mechanical over-stage is an original antique Spencer Optical Company item in brass with specimen clips, one of which is sprung and perfect for holding slides during inclined viewing.

The freely running x/y controls also offering fine control of specimen positioning, which is a real advantage for higher magnification work. (Please note that this component is currently on order and an example of the popular Spencer over-stage is shown in the final two listing photos).

Turning to the sub-stage, we have a later Abbe-style condenser in a brass mount with height adjustment via helical screw. The condenser assembly also swings out to allow for changing condenser type, carrying out maintenance or just for microscopy techniques that don't require using a condenser. The condenser also has a working iris to control lighting levels as well as a 32mm swing-out holder for adding coloured, opaque or dark-field filters. Lighting is via a plano-concave mirror on an adjustable brass support arm and gimbal set-up, with period silvering that's also in good condition to both sides. All controls operate smoothly including coarse focus, fine-focus, eyepiece draw-tube, over-stage x/y adjustment, condenser and plano-concave mirror.

The instrument has been given a light lubrication so all controls operate smoothly with the existing Watson hardware, thereby preserving its originality and collector appeal. This is a great visual and working example of Watson's classic Edinburgh model in highly original condition with what will be a rather nice period addition of the mechanical over-stage and it's essentially in collectable condition with lovely gleaming brass-work that's virtually free from much in the way of age-related tarnishing.

It really catches the sun, glowing with a yellow/golden hue and presenting really well. Here is also a period wooden storage case with this example, which is also in excellent condition for its age with internal lens racks, nice brass handle, a wooden base with recesses for the stand's tripod feet and is just missing its key. Ured courier upon receipt of cleared funds. Thanks for looking - please also check out my other listings if you get a chance. Further Photos to Follow with Spencer Mechanical Over-stage Fitted.

Watson & Sons Ltd Brass Edinburgh Stand-F Microscope c1918, Cased" is in sale since Friday, January 22, 2021. This item is in the category "Antiques\Science/Medicine\Scientific Instruments". The seller is "arcboutant" and is located in Glasgow. This item can be shipped to United Kingdom, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Australia, United States, Bahrain, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, China, Israel, Hong Kong, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Bangladesh, Bermuda, Bolivia, Barbados, Brunei darussalam, Cayman islands, Ecuador, Egypt, Guernsey, Gibraltar, Guadeloupe, French guiana, Iceland, Jersey, Jordan, Cambodia, Liechtenstein, Sri lanka, Macao, Monaco, Maldives, Martinique, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Paraguay, Reunion, Saudi arabia, South africa, United arab emirates, Ukraine, Chile, Bahamas, Colombia, Costa rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Kuwait, Panama, Qatar, Trinidad and tobago, Uruguay, Viet nam.

Period: 1901 to 1950
Modified Item: No
Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
Material: Brass
Type: Microscope
Antique: Yes
Sub-Type: Microscopes