This is an example of Pike's "Professional Microscope" with the iron base. It is signed on the tube in script "Benj. Pike's Son & Co., 930 Broadway N. Y." It was obtained with one eyepiece and two W. Wales objectives (3/4 and 1/5). It corresponds to No.222 described in the catalog entry below. The storage case with drawers is a replacement. The firm used the signature and address that is on this microscope between the years 1878 - 1881.
The following was extracted from the Benj. Pike's Son & Co. Catalog of Optical Instruments, c. 1880:
THE PROFESSIONAL MICROSCOPE
Among the many Microscopes which we offer, few have met with the rapid
sale, and high approval of Students and Scientific men, as that which
we familiarly term our Fifty Dollar Professional Microscope, Fig. 220.
As little can be done at the present time in the line of medical or
scientific research without the use of a Microscope, it is incumbent
on the manufacturer of such instruments to produce a Microscope of
such excellent optical qualities and superior workmanship, and at
such a moderate price, as to meet the wants of the Student, and to
be to him practically of as much value as an instrument of far greater cost.
Our Fifty Dollar Professional Microscope is especially adapted to meet this
demand, and from careful observation we are convinced that, considering the
superior workmanship of the instrument itself and the excellence of the
Achromatic Objectives which are furnished with it, it stands unequalled.
The Professional Microscope when in use with the draw-tube closed is 15
inches high, and firmly and substantially made of highly finished brass.
The body of the Microscope is supported on two columns by a joint, so that it may be inclined to any angle.
The Coarse Adjustment is by means of a Rack and Pinion, accurately made and fitted,
which gives a very smooth and even motion
when focusing, and the fine adjustment by a Micrometer Screw, which moves
the entire body of the instrument vertically with the greatest
delicacy and precision, so that objectives of the highest power
may be used with it.
It has a Glass Stage which can be moved horizontally
in any direction; also a revolving Diaphragm, Plane
and Concave Mirrors, and a 6-inch Draw-Tube.
Elsewhere in this collection is another microscope marked Benj. Pike's Son & Co. with the 930 Broadway N. Y. address dating from the same time period.
