Microscope and case

1890-1930

Measurements

2-1/4 in x 6-5/8 in x 2-3/4 in

Materials

Walnut (case), brass and glass (microscope)

Credit Line

On long-term loan to Historic Odessa Foundation

Accession Number

2020.91

Comments

The unmarked microscope, likely made for student use, has a single eye-piece that focuses by sliding it in or out of a brass tube. The mirror below can be swiveled to direct light onto the underside of a glass slide.  The microscope fits into its original wood box, which has a compartment for glass slides.  Similar and identical cased microscopes have been located in the marketplace with “Made in France” labels, one of which may have detached or been removed from this microscope case.

The 1829 bankruptcy auction of Daniel Wilson Jr.’s belongings listed a microscope, which sold for $6.00 to Daniel Corbit.