The microscope is signed on tube: E. Leitz. Wetzlar. The serial number, 32668, is stamped on the case and engraved on tube; it corresponds to a manufacturing date of 1895. It is an example of the Leitz Stand Ia, which was one of the largest models offered by the firm at the time it was manufactured. 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 round rotating stage with centering adjustments is covered in Vulcanite. As shown in the photos, the microscope measures about 13-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 with an iris diaphragm on a mounting focusing by rack and pinion; the iris diaphragm 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.

The microscope comes equipped with two Letiz objectives each with their brass canister, a Bausch & Lomb objective, a triple nose-piece, two eyepieces, a substage Abbe condenser with iris on a focusing mounting, an aperture stop holder with three stops, the two stage clips, and a quantity of blank slides. The microscope is also supplied with its wood case having inserts to hold the various accessories, a brass handle, a lock, but no key.

The microscope is very good condition. The surface finishes are original and mostly free of significant blemishes. All mechanics are in working condition. The silvering on the concave mirror is in fine condition while that on the plane mirror is slightly foggy, but functional. The wood storage case has its internal fittings and is also in good condition with some stable cracks on the back due to wood shrinkage. This is an attractive example of one of the larger continental models from one of the most famous German firms.

Price: SOLD

Include $47.00 for postage/insurance within the continental US. Shipping will be at cost if sent elsewhere.

Extracted from the 1899 Leitz catalog: