{"product_id":"victorian-brass-field-microscope-with-mahogany-case-and-interchangeable-lenses","title":"Victorian | Brass Field Microscope with Mahogany Case and Interchangeable Lenses | Circa Early–Mid 19th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Europe (likely England or France)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brass optical components, glass lenses, mahogany storage case\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Early–Mid 19th Century, circa 1840\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis elegant Victorian-era Gould-type simple microscope represents one of the most recognizable portable microscope designs of the 19th century. Constructed from finely machined brass optical components and housed within its original mahogany storage case, the instrument was designed to mount directly onto the lid of the case, transforming the box itself into a working microscope base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe microscope features a tall conical brass body tube supported by a rack-and-pinion focusing arm. A small specimen stage sits beneath the lens assembly, accompanied by a bullseye condenser and mirror for directing light onto the specimen. Multiple interchangeable “button” objective lenses are included, allowing the user to vary magnification depending on the specimen being observed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll components disassemble neatly and fit within the fitted compartments of the wooden case, illustrating the practical and portable design favored by naturalists, physicians, and amateur scientists during the Victorian period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMicroscopes of this type were widely used during a period of rapid advancement in microscopy and natural science, contributing to discoveries in biology, medicine, and microscopy techniques throughout the 19th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Classic Gould-type simple microscope design\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Constructed from polished brass optical components\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Rack-and-pinion focusing mechanism\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Interchangeable button objective lenses\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Bullseye condenser and mirror illumination\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Original fitted mahogany storage case\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Designed to mount directly to the case lid for use\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Fully disassembles for storage and portability\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePortable microscopes such as this were instrumental in the spread of scientific exploration during the Victorian era. Their compact design allowed naturalists and physicians to study specimens in the field, contributing to the growing understanding of biology and microscopic life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Gould-type microscope became one of the most widely produced educational and scientific instruments of the 19th century, representing a key chapter in the development of modern microscopy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall good vintage condition consistent with age and use. Surface marks, scratches, and areas of light pitting are present on the brass components. One of the four button objective lenses has uneven threads and does not mount properly to the others. The yoke on the small stage-mounted bullseye condenser is broken. The mirror remains present and in good condition. The mahogany case shows age-related wear but remains structurally sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCase Height: 2 in.\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 6.5 in.\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 4.75 in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e185 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore the development of \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"History of Early Microscopes – Molecular Expressions Microscopy Museum\" href=\"https:\/\/micro.magnet.fsu.edu\/primer\/museum\/museum1700.html\"\u003eearly microscopes and scientific instruments\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e that shaped the study of microscopic life\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Victorian Artifacts and Historic Relics – Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\" href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/victorian-artifacts-historic-relics\"\u003eVictorian Artifacts \u0026amp; Historic Relics Collection\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic and Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52612670947650,"sku":null,"price":2000.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/victorian-gould-type-brass-simple-microscope-mahogany-case.png?v=1774194304","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/fr\/products\/victorian-brass-field-microscope-with-mahogany-case-and-interchangeable-lenses","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}