These microscopes have a number of features in common which suggests that they originated from the same workshop. Each has a unique stage focusing mechanism consisting of a stationary pinion operating on a moveable rack which is embedded within the pillar and which is attached to the stage. Each microscope has an identical mirror and mirror mounting. These microscopes can frequently be found in  different configurations, either as stand-alone versions mounted on a brass disk or as case-mounted microscopes. Although the country of origin for these instruments is not known with certainy, it is assumed they are of French manufacture. They can be found with the typical French triple button achromatic objectives or with separate non-achromatic objectives.

An example of the third microscope from the left has been observed with a signature on the tube: Golvin, Opticien, 9 Passage Jouffroy, Paris; it is not clear if this firm was the manufacturer or just a retailer of the microscope.