Leopold Schrauer first began the manufacture of microscopes in the late 1850's in Boston. By 1877, he was located in New York City. Schrauer microscopes are relatively uncommon, this model in particular. In the book entitled A Short History of the Early American Microscopes by D. Pagitt, it is stated "It is somewhat strange that Schrauer's microscopes are not more common today, since he was apparently in business for more than 20 years. This may be partially explained by Schrauer's proclamation that he gave no discount to the trade which would indicate that he did not have access to the traditional marketing agencies". Schrauer did not use serial numbers for his microscopes. As a consequence of this, it is often difficult to date them precisely. Most likely this microscope was made sometime in the late 1870 to early 1880 time period. While an 1878 advertisement lists Schrauer at 50 Chatham St. NY, an 1879 advertisement lists him at 42 Nassau St. NY, the address on this microscope. Later Schrauer microscopes are mostly in the continental style.