An early model of this famous microscope called “Henri Van Heurck”, after its inventor, the famous Belgian diatomist. This microscope was described by the latter “for the study and photography of diatoms and for all delicate researches”.

The microscope is signed “W. Watson & Sons 313 High Holborn” and bears the serial number 3750. The microscope can be dated to around 1895, much earlier than the majority of known Van Heurcks built by Watson.

This model is in excellent working condition. It preserves 3 “Holos” eyepieces numbers 7, 10 and 14 ; and two objectives : one unsigned English objective and a Leitz 1/10 immersion retailed by Baker in London. Plus some extra accessories.

This microscope comes from Orville Golub’s personal collection and bears the number 153 from his collection [today UC Berkeley exhibites number 154 from the Golub collection: a polarizing Van Heurck by Watson]. The mirror also bears this same collection number 153. The box contains an autograph note from Golub.

One of the classics of Belgian and English microscopes from the end of the 19th century, in superb condition and with an early serial number, and coming from one of the most famous collections of old microscopes of the 20th century, that of Orville Golub, of which majority of is now exhibited at the University of Berkeley in California.