Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

Microscope 493 (unassigned maker; short tripod microscope; c. 1900)

Microscope 493 is an example of a low-power screw-adjusting short tripod simple microscope of the 19th and first third of the 20th century. These microscopes were sold by many makers and were identified by diverse names such as tripod dissecting microscope, seed microscope on three feet, and three-legged microscope (Figure 1). Brass versions were common between 1850 and 1920, and painted black versions were more common between 1920 and 1940. These simple microscopes were used as magnifiers for relatively low power work such as dissection and viewing insects and seeds. The earlier versions had a wider upturned brim over the lens (c. 1855 - 1880s). Starting in the last quarter of the 19th century, the microscopes were made with a flatter profile. These lacquered brass tripod microscopes of the 19th century are common on the antique market but more recent reproductions are also commonly sold as potential gifts.

Figure 1. Short tripod simple microscopes as engraved in several antique catalogues: (A) James Parkes & Son (1862), described as simple brass tripod microscope for viewing insects and flowers; (B) James Queen (1870), described as microscope on three legs, all brass, with screw adjustments; (C) Ernest Goldbacher (1879), described as microscope, brass body and feet; (D) R & J Beck (1882), described as three-legged microscope, brass frame, 2 plano-convex lenses, adjustment for focus; (E) B Kahn & Son (c. 1890), described as three-legged microscope, lacquered brass, adjustable for focus, two lenses; (F) W Watson & Sons (1912), described as tripod dissecting microscope, made in two sizes; (G) Bausch & Lomb (1914), described as tripod dissecting microscope; and (H) Emille Deyrolle (1931), described as loupe montée sur trois pieds.