The microscope is signed on the one leg of the horseshoe foot E.H. & F.H. Tighe, Detroit Mich. This firm was started by two brothers Edward and Frederick Tighe. They were born in Canada to Irish parents. They emigrated to the US in the 1870's where they later set up an optical business. The Tighe firm was active for only about 10 years. It has been said that they worked closely with the Gundlach Optical Co. of Rochester, New York. This is an example of the No. 4 model microscope, which was one of the more refined models produced by the firm.
The microscope is constructed entirely of brass having a bright lacquer surface finish. The microscope has a nickel plated draw-tube to extend its length. As shown in the photos with the draw-tube closed the microscope measures about 11½-inches tall in the inclined position. The microscope focuses using a rack and pinion. The fine focus is by micrometer screw which has an unusual location being placed under the limb. The swinging movement of the mirror arm will allowed oblique illumination including above-stage illumination. The mirror is single sided with a concave glass.
The microscope is equipped with one ocular, a divisible objective marked 2/3 and 1/6 which can be separated for power change, and a sub-stage condenser with iris diaphragm.
