While this microscope is not marked with the name of the manufacturer,
the fine adjustment knob is engraved with a trademark that consists of
the two words "Trade" and "Mark" surrounding an image of an eye. This is the
trademark often used by the microscope manufacturer J. Parkes & Son, Birmingham England. The date
when this microscope was made is uncertain. The microscope is not located in either the 1857
or 1862 Parkes catalogs. Most likely, it dates from the last quarter of the
19th century.
Despite having a round base, this microscope is basically of the continental
style. It is about 10 inches tall as shown in the images, inclined with the drawtube partially extended.
The base is 3 inches in diameter and is lead filled. The main focus is achieved by rack and pinion. The fine focus utilizes a micrometer
screw operating on a continental type mechanism. It came equipped a single objective
and two eyepieces. The empty slot in the case most likely held a canister for the
objective. The stage is equipped with an adjustable slide holder. Below the stage is an
aperture disk and a concave mirror.
James Parkes established his Birmingham business in 1815, initially manufacturing small metalwares and jewelry cases. His son Samuel joined the business as a partner around 1846, at which point the firm began trading as J. Parkes & Son. By the 1850s, the company significantly shifted its focus toward manufacturing optical and mathematical instruments, including compound microscopes. Following his father’s death in 1877, Samuel took full control of the helm, continuing to expand the firm's reputation for scientific instruments. After Samuel's death, the firm continued under the same name well into the 20th century.
