CULPEPER DOLLOND MICROSCOPE Tripod Mahogany Cabinet Brass Plinth 33 Bone Slides

Description

Up for sale is a rare and magnificent Culpeper type microscope, which is unsigned and dates from the late 18th/early 19th century. Microscopes of this construction are modeled after earlier instruments made by Edmund Culpeper (1670-1737) and his contemporaries.
This microscope is stored in a pyramidal shaped, tapered mahogany cabinet or case, mounted on a mahogany base with two (2) integral drawers with compartments that support three scrolled legs, which in turn support the stage. The mirror is attached on a boss in the base. The circular stage has a central aperture for illumination by transmitted light. Three additional scrolled supports rise from the stage to carry the main tube. Focusing is achieved by rack and pinion action of the body tube. The action is a bit stiff and needs lubrication.
One of the integral drawers is fitted to hold six (6) numbered objectives. The other drawer has four compartments and an adjoining section with a removable shelf. There are many slides, a a pair of staged brass laboratory forceps, a hand forcep, a substage light cone, a Bonnani spring stage, an additional threaded brass dial, an old glass specimen tube or vial with cork closure, and more. Both drawers retain the original wooden fittings and green baize. There is a key present, but the little bolt does not extend far enough to engage the lock.
There is a treasure trove of antique lab slides in each of the drawers. Thirty-three (33) slides, mounted in bone, many with labels, are stored beneath the removable shelf. In the other drawer are nine (9) additional slides plus a glass label indicating J.H. Steward, Optician, near the Adelphi Theater, 496 Strand (London). These slides are all labeled and dated 14/2/62, 26/7/62, and Paris 1867. There is also an old, partially worn paper label on the front of the cabinet.
The magnificent mahogany wooden cabinet stands 17 3/4” high, and the microscope on its plinth stands approx 12 3/4” high when in the case and 16" when fully extended. The brass retains the original lacquer, a bit stained, but basically untouched.
Condition: very good for its age with no sign of any excess wear. The barrel extends and contracts a bit stiffly, and the mirrors are flexible. There is, however, an area of the case or drawers that is cracked as shown in the final photo. The larger mirror shows clouding. One tiny brass set screw is missing from the rack and pinion mechanism.
PLEASE NOTE: Because of the delicate nature of this microscope and of the slides, there is a NO RETURN POLICY.