Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

 

    

Microscope 336 (unassigned maker; portable microscope; 1960s)

 

A picture containing leather, everyday carry, coin purse, wallet Description automatically generatedA close-up of a metal object Description automatically generated with low confidenceA picture containing cylinder, silver, tripod Description automatically generatedA close-up of a metal object Description automatically generated with low confidenceA close-up of a metal object Description automatically generated with low confidence

Microscope 335 is a tripod-like pocket or portable microscope. The instrument is engraved with ‘MOC 20X – 70X’ and ‘JAPAN’ and should be dated to the 1960s. The instrument came with its original leather bag. These types of microscopes were sold for example by Lafayette in the USA, where they were advertised as ‘Portable 70x microscope’ and described as “one of the finest precision optical imports Lafayette has ever offered”, and “highly polished, finely machined chromium plated brass tubes, mount and tripod legs” (Figure 1). Most probably, these microscopes were made by the Japanese company Carton Optical, who is known to have made microscopes for contract brands such as Tasco, Sears, Lumex, and Lafayette.

 

A black and white drawing of a camera Description automatically generated with low confidence

Figure 1. Portable microscope as engraved in a 1959 Lafayette’s catalogue