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SUPERB BAUSCH & LOMB ANTIQUE BRASS DOUBLE PILLAR MICROSCOPE – THE “LIBRARY MICROSCOPE” WITH CHERRY WOOD CASE - CIRCA 1893
You are invited to submit bids for a superb antique double pillar Bausch & Lomb Optical Company (B&LOC) lacquered brass and Japanned black lacquered metal compound microscope called the “Library Microscope” along with a nice Cherry wood case.
Bausch & Lomb first introduced this model microscope in the late 1870’s. It appeared in their 1879 Catalogue on page 7 as “No. 500 Library Microscope.” (NOTE: A cut from the 1879 B&L Catalogue with an image and description of this model accompanies this listing). It was described as “a simple instrument, very easy to handle, and readily affords even to persons inexperienced in scientific investigations, a very interesting insight into the mysteries of nature, which are hidden from our unassisted eyes.” This early model included a rectangular stage made of vulcanite rubber, a single-sided concave mirror, a roundly sculpted “Y” shaped foot, and also featured a Camera Lucida as an included accessory.
Fast forward to the year 1893. Bausch & Lomb introduced a second-generation model of the Library Microscope in the 1893 publication entitled, “The Microscope. An Illustrated Monthly Designed To Popularize The Subject Of Microscopy” Volume I, New Series (Nos. 1-12) edited by Chas. W. Smiley, A.M. and published by The Microscopical Publishing Co., Washington, D.C. In this publication this new generation “Library Microscope” was illustrated (NOTE: Please see the accompanying image of this model microscope extracted from this 1893 publication) and described as follows:
“We believe that our Library Microscope with society screw, equipped with 1-inch eyepiece, 1-inch objective, will meet the wants of the Agassiz Association, and other young people, as the power is sufficiently high for beginners in natural history; and, as you say that price is an object, we believe that it will meet with your wants as such. You will find the above outfit (stand, eyepiece, and 1-inch objective) listed in our catalogue as D-I, which we will be pleased to furnish at $16.00, as listed in our catalogue. The Library Microscope equipped with 2-inch eyepiece, 1-inch and ¼-inch objectives, we can offer at $30.00.
The Library stand has a draw-tube and society screw. The eyepieces are of Continental pattern; the mirror, swings so as to give oblique illumination, or can be brought above the stage for illumination of opaque objects. The stage has spring clips. The rack-and-pinion adjustment is delicate and suited to high power objectives.”
This instrument bears the name of the manufacturer on the top rear face of the circular stage. However, this instrument does not bear a typical serial number. For some unknown reason, Bausch & Lomb did not inscribe serial numbers on their earlier microscopes. Instead, they often stamped the serial number of the instrument in the front lip of the floor of the wood cabinet that came with the microscope. However, although the Cherry wood case that accompanies this instrument appears to be original, there is no serial number engraved in the floor of the cabinet or it may have faded with age and use. So, unfortunately, it is not possible to ascertain the serial number of this microscope and, by extension, the exact date of manufacture for this particular instrument.
However, due to the fact that this microscope features angular rackwork rather than horizontal rackwork (see close-up image of the rackwork) first introduced in the mid-1880s, and very closely resembles the second generation model Library Microscope with a round stage illustrated and described in the 1893 publication noted above, we can conservatively date the instrument to circa 1893.
For the antique microscope collector – this pattern microscope represents one of several significant advances in the design of the microscope pioneered by the Bausch & Lomb Optical Company. In fact, it is perhaps one of the more rare microscope models offered by B&L and not often seen in this auction venue. As such, it will be a most welcome addition to any antique microscope collection, especially one that specializes in the earlier instruments offered by B&L.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
This microscope features a nicely sculpted Japanned Y-shaped foot that supports dual pillars that rise to a trunnion joint with extra strong bearings. This joint supports a very attractive sculpted curved limb of the microscope and the round stage. The limb, in turn, supports the remainder of the microscope including the focus mechanism and the body tube. The trunnion joint allows the microscope to be tilted at any angle from the vertical to allow for the comfortable viewing of specimen slides.
The body tube is focused via a brass rack and pinion system affixed to the limb and the body tube. For simplicity, there is no fine adjustment system on this model microscope as B&L designed this model mainly for the amateur microscopist.
The microscope is equipped with a round stage with provisions for a pair of slide clips. However, the slide clips are missing from this instrument. Again, for simplicity, under the stage there is no condenser, disc of apertures, diaphragm, or other device to control the light beam, only a 2-sided mirror on a gimbal.
The plano-concave mirror assembly under the stage is adjustable on a mirror bar. The mirror bar is able to pivot about the stage on a compass joint (the axis of which lies in the plane of the stage) such that it can be adjusted to any angle below the stage for oblique illumination and even above the stage to provide incidental illumination to opaque objects. (Note: Please see the accompanying composite image that shows the versatility of this arrangement). This is a simple modification of the Patented swinging substage assembly first invented by the American Optician, Joseph Zentmayer in the year 1876.
The body tube has a nickel-plated drawtube with a circular mark inscribed near its top likely to indicate the 160mm tube length position. At the top of the drawtube is a 1-inch ocular. At the base of the body tube is single objective lens, a B&L 1-Inch objective. Equipped with this eyepiece and objective, this instrument exactly fits the manufacturer’s 1893 description of the basic model as noted above.
When the drawtube is nested into the body tube and the body tube is fully racked in, the microscope stands about 9 ½ inches tall. When the body tube is fully racked out and the drawtube fully extended, it stands about 13 inches tall. The microscope itself weighs about 3 pounds.
Accompanying the microscope is a nice Cherry Wood case, which appears, from its relative simplicity that matches that of the instrument, to be the original case for this microscope. The case is equipped with a fixed brass carry handle at its top. Inside the case is a 4-position wood rack designed to accommodate additional eyepieces and objectives, but no additional eyepieces or objective lenses are included with this instrument. In lieu of a typical lock and key mechanism, a simple hook and pin closure system is used to secure the door to the case. The instrument in its case weighs in at about 6 pounds.
STATEMENT OF CONDITION:
NOTE: The accompanying images are a part of this statement of condition. Please take the time to view all of the images so you can confirm the condition of the microscope and so you will know exactly what you will be getting should you prove to be the proud new owner of this fine instrument.
In summary, this microscope is in very good cosmetic, optical and mechanical condition, but with some relatively minor caveats as noted below.
As can be ascertained from the accompanying images, the lacquered brass on this particular instrument is in relatively good condition, but with some minor pitting, scratches and spotty tarnish as might be expected on an instrument of this age (estimated at 119 years old and counting).
The metal stand has been refurbished with a new paint system to exactly match the original.
As noted above, the stage is missing the slide clips.
The plano-concave mirror associated with this microscope is in very good condition. However, the mirror is not original, but is a more modern replacement.
The optics in this microscope are of good quality and free of any major defects. However, the lower element of the 1-inch objective lens has some minor scratches on its outer surface from use. Nevertheless, this instrument still produces decent images.
For the most part, the rack and pinion focus mechanism works smoothly. However, there is one spot on the rack that is slightly eroded from use that may cause a slight hesitation in focus in just one relatively small area of its full range.
The drawtube has a couple of very small dents in the side, but these do not impact its functionality.
The Cherry wood case that accompanies the instrument appears to be original, but as mentioned above, it does not have the customary serial number engraved in the floor. On the other hand, the serial number may have faded or warn away over time. The case is in serviceable condition. There is a split in the floor of the case that has been repaired and the exterior has several scratches and dings from use commensurate with its age.
Overall, this is a nicely preserved example of Bausch & Lomb Optical Company’s second-generation “Library Microscope” with its original case. It is most certainly worthy of any antique microscope collection.
BIDDING:
THE MONTANA LOGGER is very pleased to offer this superb Bausch & Lomb “Library Microscope” with Cherry wood case with a low opening bid and with no reserve. Happy bidding!
NOTE: WE WARMLY WELCOME INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS/BUYERS. WE SHIP WORLDWIDE.
PAYMENT: Payment via PayPal is due within 3 days of the close of the auction.
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