The microscope is signed on tube: Carl Zeiss, Jena No. 28495. This serial number indicates a manufacturing date of 1897. It is an example of the Zeiss Stand IV. It is of the "continental" style, which by the end of the 19th century was one of the most popular designs and was offered by all the leading German manufacturers of the period.

The microscope is constructed entirely in brass having a bright lacquer surface finish on the tube and limb, while the base and pillar have a black enameled surface finish. The rectangular stage is covered in Vulcanite. As shown in the photos, the microscope measures about 12.5-inches tall in the inclined position with the draw-tube partially extended. The microscope focuses using a rack and pinion. The fine focus is by calibrated micrometer screw. The substage of the microscope consists of an Abbe condenser on a mounting focusing by rack and pinion. The condenser is fitted with an iris diaphragm, which can be adjusted off center for oblique illumination by rack and pinion and can be swung totally out of the optical path. The mirror is double sided with plane and concave glasses.

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According to a descendant, this microscope was originally the properity of Dr. Adolph S. Schlosstein, born in Bavaria in 1841 (died 1905) and/or his son Dr. Adolph G. Schlosstein, born in 1873. Both practiced medicine in St. Louis, Missouri.

As shown in the extract below taken from the Zeiss Archives, this Microscope was sold to Dr. A. Schoss in Jena in 1898. Were the names Schoss and Schlossstein changed or confused?