c 1875 Compound Monocular Microscope Brass w/ Original Wood Box NICE

Description

What a beauty!
This is either a student or field model most likely made in France circa 1875.  There is no maker’s mark with the exception of DEPOS engraved on the knob on the base. This microscope comes with the original box, tweezers, and specimen slides – all in the condition I found it in as you can see in the photos.  I have not cleaned anything, only dusted it off. As it sits, the patina is magnificent – I have not tried to polish the brass as that is up to the individual taste of the buyer.  All the gears and tightening mechanisms work solidly and smoothly.  I have not tested the optics, but light is visible when looking through the microscope.
This is a compound monocular brass microscope consisting of the microscope with a round base with a knob on it; the body of the microscope rests on the base via a ball and socket making it adjustable; the knob tightens the socket locking the microscope into place; the top of the microscope rotates over the fixed stage; there is an adjustable condenser and a knob which adjusts the height of the microscope; there is also a removable rotating mirror beneath the stage and a removable eyepiece at the top.
The National Museum of Health and Medicine in Washington DC has a similar  monocular microscope in their Billings Microscope Collection with the same DEPOS inscription on the knob, but without the wood case. See attached in photos.
Inscription on knob at base: DEPOS and one more letter that I can’t make out
Maker:
Unknown but likely made in France
Includes:
Case, original tweezers and 11
specimen slides
Original Box/Case
: Box measures 10” x 4” x 3 ½”  with swinging hook lock
Overall height of microscope when fully opened 10 ½ inches tall, and closed is 9 1/8” tall.
The base diameter is 3 1/8”.
Condition:
The microscope appears to be in very good condition given its age with lovely patina (have not tested optics).  The exterior of the box is in good condition with wear consistent with its age – some staining and a few scratches.  The interior of the box needs to be fixed if you want it in original condition – the three pieces are there and ready to be glued.  There are 11 specimen slides, two have corners broke off and one is in several pieces, but could be repaired.  The tweezers are in good condition.
Reference / Research:
Appears in a microscope collection book which gives the date as c. 1875.  “The billings Microscope Collection of the Medical Museum,” Armed Forces Institute of pathology, Washington, D.C., 1974. P. 67.
More photos can be sent – just let me know.
This is a previously owned item.  Please see all photos for a complete description of condition of the item you will receive. Thank you.