WENHAM BINOCULAR MICROSCOPE BY R&J BECK NO RESERVE

Home > Worthopedia – Price Guide > Tools >

Terms and Conditions for using our site

WENHAM BINOCULAR MICROSCOPE BY R&J BECK NO RESERVE

Sold For:

or Sign In to see What it's worth.

Sold Date: 09/02/2007
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Tools

Rare, elegant and impressive Brass Binocular microscope in the Wenham style with converging divided body, circa 1860. The microscope is signed on the base, R and J Beck, London and Philadelphia with the serial number 8685. The instrument is in good condition without dents and the lacquer is all original with some age spotting. Optics are bright and clear and the plano-concave mirror is good with only minor blemishes.
Mechanical functions work smoothly including the main focusing rack and pinion, the limb mounted fine focus thumb-wheel. An unusual circular revolving stage with spring slide holder has individual knobs for X and Y shift. Other mechanical features like the base tilt and inter-ocular adjustment (eyepiece separation) are all operational.
Height in the working position is approximately 17 inches.
Note: The binocular splitter prism is mounted in a spring holder and may move slightly when the instrument is shipped. Adjustment is straightforward and is easily carried out by hand, without any tools.
This particular Wenham style from Beck, with its several unique features must be one of the most distinctive nineteenth century scientific instruments made, and until recently, it was part of a collector display. The original wood carrying case is missing and the condenser mount under the stage has two non-original screws but these are not normally visible. A utility carrying case is included which is adequate for storage and transportation.
Otherwise the instrument is basically complete and operational and it would enhance any microscope collection or museum display. The microscope is sold without reserve, as-is.
Nice collector instrument, which is bound to appreciate in value and made by one of the more historically important makers. Careful packing shipping and insurance will be $55 for inland USA. Cannot ship outside USA, sorry.
If you have questions please don't hesitate to contact me.