This microscope is supplied with two oculars, two W. Wales objectives stored in a leather covered box, a brass and glass slide carrier, a sub-stage aperture wheel, and a free standing bullseye condenser. The microscope has an unusual fine focus adjustment mechanism where the knob operates by tilting the stage.

Benjamin Pike Senior emigrated to the United States in 1804. He established an optician's business in New York supplying scientific instruments. His three sons, Benjamin Jr., Daniel, and Gardiner carried on in the business with the father and later on their own, sometimes as partners and, at other times, as competitors (see this and this). The firm used the name and address engraved on this microscope during the years 1878-1883.