Brass Drum Compound Microscope British c1850 (OPTICS06)

This is an authentic Victorian-era British Drum Compound Microscope in its original wooden case with accessories. Included in kit are 6 pre-made ivory slides with 4 samples each for viewing. A very cool and unique artifact indeed.

From collector George Fulford's notes:

The British made a lot of these in Queen Victoria’s day, but not many remain in this a good condition. For better pictures Google ‘English Drum Microscope’ and see exactly what I have here.  The box and its contents have been miraculously well taken care of and it is lined with red velvet and lovely to behold.

For many years I had it exposed on my trophy shelf and delighted in showing guests minute examples of a broad range of subjects from a selection of six ivory slides that housed the individual items. The buyer should be aware that one innocuous piece of glass, that should not be misplaced, has a miniscule smudge on it that when placed under the lens shows, with great clarity, the very young Queen Victoria surrounded by her family. I’m baffled how they did that in 1850. I always thought that that sort of skill only materialized with spies of WW 1.