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Antique & Scientific Instruments U.K. |
W.WATSON
& Son INSTRUMENTS
Watson catalogues were not shy in advertising the advantages of their
microscopes as seen in an extract from a Watson catalogue showing THE THREE VAN HEURCKs (every bit as classy as The Three
Tenors, but slimmer).
A SELECTION OF WATSON MICROSCOPES
This selection details some of the Watson microscopes and associated instruments I have owned (or still do). The microscopes are more or less in date order where I have a serial number and will be added to as I get time (or more instruments).
The
19th Century
WATSON & SON
An antique binocular
microscope, by WATSON
& SON with accessories in a fitted mahogany case. The microscope is based on
the Ross “bar-limb” design, pre-dating the famous Edinburgh models, and has a
flat “Y” shaped foot with side plates forming trunnions to hold the limb. The
main focus is by rack & pinion on the triangular bar, fine focus by limb
mounted thumbwheel long-lever and inter-ocular separation is by sliding lever.
It has a plain square stage with slide clips and a socket to accommodate
sub-stage accessories, a plano-concave mirror and the stand
is engraved with the makers name, address and instrument serial number, all
standing on a mahogany base. This number, 865,
points to this being one of Watson’s first binocular microscopes made before
dating information is reliable and before the second son joined the company in
1882. The microscope comes with a host of accessories, some of which are later additions, including
two objectives (3 & 1, inch) in matching lacquered brass cans, 2 "top
hat" type eyepieces, sub-stage accessories including a sliding dark ground
condenser and a wheel-of-stops condenser. Other accessories are a Bolton type
compressor, a live box, a freestanding bull's eye condenser, a wet cell, and
forceps. The case has a brass handle, an inset door
with brass hinges, and a working lock with key and has a small fitted drawer
for loose items. The microscope is in working order but has little original
lacquer left. Optically, everything is fine and the Wenham prism gives a good
stereo image. A very early example of a Watson & Son binocular microscope.
A WATSON binocular microscope,
with accessories in a fitted mahogany case. The main focus is by rack & pinion, fine focus
by nosepiece thumbwheel-lever and inter-ocular separation is by thumbwheel
controlled rack & pinion. The microscope has a
mechanical stage with thumb-wheel "X - Y" control and slide clips, a
swing-out mechanical centring sub-stage, a huge mirror which is good, both
sides and the stand is engraved with the makers name, address
and instrument serial number. This number, 1180,
dates it to the early 1880's (the engraved “Watson & Son” dates it
pre-1882 when the second “son” was added), before the advent of the
"Edinburgh" stand. The microscope comes with seven objectives (2mm, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2 and 4 inch) in
lacquered brass cans, 4 "top hat" type eyepieces,
sub-stage accessories including an Abbe condenser with lever operated iris
and swing-out filter holder, a dark ground condenser, a substage polariser and
a parabolic condenser. Other accessories are a
nosepiece analyser, live box, freestanding bull's eye condenser and a drawer
containing some slides. The case has a brass handle, hinges and a working lock
with key.
WATSON
& SONS
An early (pre-Edinburgh) student MICROSCOPE by Watson. This
is a rare 19th century "Watson &
Sons” monocular microscope with accessories in
it's fitted case. The
elegant design of the one piece cast foot and slender limb make an imposing
stand. The arsenic black finished brass base is signed
WATSON & SONS, 313 HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON
with the number 1636 (dated to about 1885). It is all brass with it's original
lacquer finish. It has rack & pinion main focus and nosepiece fine focus, a
square plain stage with overstage slide holder and sub-stage socket for
accessories. Beneath the stage there is a plano-concave mirror (which has some
milkiness on both sides) on a swinging arm. There is a single top hat type
eyepiece and two objectives (1 inch & 2 inch) in large matching lacquered
brass cans as well as the sub-stage wheel of stops condenser. The fine
case is made from mahogany with lacquered brass screws and brass hinges &
catches and an inset lacquered brass handle.
W.WATSON & SONS
A RARE ANTIQUE WATSON "WALES" MICROSCOPE This is a very rare 19th
century "W.Watson & Sons Wales' Form American
Microscope" in Petrologic format, with accessories in it's fitted case. The elegant design of the
Wales limb allows the instrument to be set at any viewing angle
whilst maintaining a balance between the eyepiece tube and the sub-stage
assembly. This eliminates the need for a heavy base, as reflected in the twin
pillar tripod foot of this model. The bronze finished brass base is signed W. WATSON & SONS, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON with the number 1852 (dated to 1887) also on one of the feet.
It is all brass with it's original lacquer and bronze finish. It has rack &
pinion and fine focus, circular stage with slide holder and built-in wheel stop
condenser. Beneath the stage there is a plano-concave mirror on a swinging arm.
There is a single eyepiece and two objectives in matching lacquered brass cans
as well as the sub-stage polariser and a nosepiece analyser. The case is
made from mahogany with hand made dovetail joints and brass hinges and handle.
It also has a fitted drawer, which holds slides and accessories.
An antique histology microscope
by W.WATSON & SONS, 313 High Holborn, London
This all brass microscope is engraved on the foot by
Watson and has the serial number 2000,
which dates it exactly to 1888. Watson introduced the histology stand in 1886.
It has drawtube main and thumbwheel fine focussing. The microscope
comes with 2-signed objectives, a 2/3 and 1/6, in matching lacquered brass
cans. It has two eyepieces and it has a square stage with slides clips and a
plug-in iris sub-stage condenser. The plano-concave mirror is in excellent
condition on both sides. The microscope, which has all original lacquer, is in
beautiful condition and comes in its original fitted mahogany case with all its accessories. The case
has a leather handle, brass hinges and original lock and is about 11.5inches
high
An
early WATSON binocular microscope,
with accessories in a fitted mahogany case. The main
focus is by rack & pinion, fine focus by limb mounted micrometer long-lever
and inter-ocular separation is by thumbwheel controlled rack & pinion. The microscope has an early type mechanical stage with
thumb-wheel "X - Y" control and slide clips, a swing-out mechanical
centring sub-stage, a plano-concave mirror which is good, both sides and the stand is engraved with the makers name, address and
instrument serial number. The stand has a one piece cast brass raised horseshoe
type foot with a form of Lister limb. The serial number, 2329, would suggest a date of 1889 but this is
some 5 years or so after the introduction of the Edinburgh stand, so it may be
that this instrument was made earlier than the serial number would suggest. The
early type mechanical stage would also lead one to that conclusion. The
microscope comes with a host of accessories including
three objectives (1/8, 1/4, & 1, inch) in matching lacquered brass cans, 2
"top hat" type eyepieces, sub-stage accessories including a general
purpose condenser with lever operated iris and swing-out filter holder, a
substage polariser and a (for the purist) a wheel-of-stops condenser. Other
accessories are a nosepiece analyser, live box containing a set of dark
grounds, a freestanding bull's eye condenser, a micrometer eyepiece insert, a
camera lucida, a compressor, a wet cell, forceps, triple nosepiece changer,
stage forceps and a drawer containing some slides, a couple of which are
labelled by Watson. The case has a leather handle,
brass hinges and a working lock with key.
A fine Edinburgh model “C” microscope
by W.WATSON & SONS, 313 High Holborn, London in its
original mahogany case. This all brass microscope is engraved in script, on the foot by Watson and has the
serial number 2373 which dates it to
1889. It has rack & pinion main, and thumbwheel micrometer
fine focussing. The drawtube is engraved for setting the tube length. The
microscope comes with accessories, which include 2
objectives (a 1/6, & 1 inch), with matching lacquered brass cans, an Abbe
type condenser with swing out stop mount and five variable sized stops. It has
two eyepieces and it has a square stage with slides clips and a centring
thumbwheel rack & pinion mechanical sub-stage. The plano-concave mirror is
in excellent condition both sides. The microscope,
which has all original lacquer, is in beautiful condition and comes in a fitted
mahogany case with all its accessories. The case has
a leather handle, brass hinges and original working lock & key.
A beautiful,
WATSON ROYAL BINOCULAR microscope, in
a glass display dome. This microscope is in every way worthy of being displayed
in such a way. The condition and attention to detail, from the tiny arrow on the course focus spindle to the calibrated scales
on the stage and fine focus, which
has gone into the making of this instrument, makes it worthy of the Royal
title. It has a swing-out mechanical centring sub-stage with Abbe condenser,
lever operated iris and swing-out filter holder, a mechanical stage with
thumb-wheel "X - Y" control and fully rotating upper
stage with dovetailed slide clamps. The main focus is by rack & pinion,
fine focus by limb-lever and rack & pinion eyepiece separation. Whichever
way you look at it, this instrument
is fine. The finish is A1 gold coloured lacquer, the mirror is perfect both sides,
all the controls work smoothly and are wear free.
A fine histology microscope by W.WATSON
& SONS, 313 High Holborn, London This all brass microscope
is engraved on the foot by Watson and has the serial
number 2892 which dates it to 1892. The
histology stand was introduced by Watson in 1886.
It has rack & pinion course and thumbwheel fine focussing. The microscope
comes with 3 objectives, a 1/12, 1/6, & 1 inch, with matching lacquered
brass cans. It has one eyepiece and it has a square stage with slides clips and
a plug-in iris sub-stage condenser. The plano-concave mirror is in excellent
condition both sides. The microscope, which has all original lacquer, is in beautiful
condition and comes in a fitted mahogany case with all
it’s accessories. The case has a leather handle, brass
hinges, original working lock & key and is about 13inches high
A WATSON No. 1 Van Heurck microscope,
with accessories in a fitted mahogany case. The main
focus and first stage draw tube is by rack & pinion and fine focus is by
thumbwheel-lever. The microscope has a mechanical
stage with thumb-wheel "X - Y" control & scales
and a slide clamp with clip, on a circular rotating stage. The mechanical,
centring, sub-stage has thumbwheel controlled fine adjustment and holds a
lever-operated iris and swing-out filter holder with quick change condenser adapter. The plano-convex mirror
is on a swing-out limb for oblique illumination, and the stand
is engraved with the makers name, address and instrument serial number. This
number, 2954, dates it to 1892 and a card
accompanying the instrument confirms that this microscope was first sold, by
Watson, in 1892. Also accompanying the instrument is the receipt for it’s sale
to the late Dr. Savile Bradbury, one of England’s most eminent microscopist’s
of the 20th century. It seems that Dr. Bradbury preferred quick
change accessories as the nosepiece is also fitted with a quick change set for
objectives. The microscope comes with a host of accessories
including four objectives (1/6 & 2/3 Paras, 6mm Holos & 1/20 oil
immersion) a "top hat" type C eyepiece, a Holos X10, a Huyg. X15, X6
& X10 low powers and a pointer eyepiece. The large drawer holds sub-stage accessories including a universal
condenser, a dry zonal dark ground, a Holos immersion parabolic oil condenser,
a polariser and an Abbe type as well as the nosepiece analyser. The case has a brass handle, brass hinges to the door and a
working lock & key. The whole instrument is in excellent working condition,
mechanically & optically, with all original finishes. A top class
microscope from the last decade of the 19th century.
A W.WATSON &
SONS Edinburgh model”F” microscope,
with accessories in a fitted mahogany case. The main focus is by rack &
pinion and fine focus is by thumbwheel-lever micrometer.
The microscope has a plug in wheel of stops condenser.
The mirror is on a swinging limb, and the stand is
engraved with the makers name, address and instrument serial number 3032 which dates it to 1892. The microscope comes
with accessories comprising three Holos objectives (2/3
inch, ½ inch & 1/6 inch, in matching lacquered brass cans) and two
eyepiece, a X10 and a no.3. The case has a brass
handle, brass hinges to the door and a brass lock. The whole instrument is in
excellent working condition, mechanically & optically.
A WATSON Circuit Stage Van Heurck microscope, with accessories and both monocular and
Wenham binocular bodies, in a fitted mahogany case.
On the monocular, the main focus and first stage draw
tube is by rack & pinion and fine focus is by thumbwheel-lever. The binocular body tube inter-ocular separation is by
thumbwheel controlled rack & pinion. The microscope
has a mechanical stage with thumb-wheel "X - Y" control and a slide
clamp with clips, on a 360 degree pinion driven rotating stage. The mechanical, centring, sub-stage
has thumbwheel controlled fine adjustment and holds a lever-operated iris and
swing-out filter holder. The plano-convex mirror is on a swing-out limb for
oblique illumination, and the stand is engraved with
the makers name, address and instrument serial number. This number, 3088, dates it to about 1893. The microscope comes
with a set of high class Holos optics, The top drawer in
the cabinet holds five objectives (25mm Holos, 6mm Holos, 2mm Holos, 1/6
and 3 inch Parachromatic) in matching signed, lacquered brass cans, 3 "top
hat" type Holos eyepieces (X5, 7 & 10), two X14 Holos oculars and a
pair of X6 eyepieces with adapters are
stored in the binocular tubes. The second drawer holds sub-stage accessories
including a universal condenser, a Holos immersion parabolic oil condenser, a
polariser and a can of various shaped dark ground stops, as well as the
nosepiece analyser and the two binocular prisms (Wenham and high power prism
assemblies) in their respective lacquered brass cans. The case
has a wood and brass handle, 3 brass hinges to the door and a lock and key. The
whole instrument is in excellent working condition with all original finishes,
a rich golden lacquer and high polish to the woodwork. An investment quality
microscope owned by the late Dr. Savile
Bradbury, one of England’s most eminent microscopist’s of the 20th
century.
A WATSON Grand Van Heurck microscope,
with accessories in a fitted mahogany case.
The main focus and first stage draw tube is by thumbwheel
rack & pinion. Sub-stage fine control and fine focus is by micrometer thumbwheel-lever, and the two
draw tubes have scales for ease of setting tube length. These controls rack the
microscope up to a full 24 inches high at full height.
The microscope has a full 360 degree thumbwheel driven rotating mechanical
stage with concentric thumb-wheel "X - Y" controls, vernier scales to the X, Y & rotation and a slide clamp with
clips. There is also a pair of fine controls to centre
the stage. The mechanical, centring, sub-stage has
thumbwheel controlled rack & pinion adjustment and thumbwheel
driven rotation. The large plano-concave mirror is on a
swing-out limb for oblique illumination, and the stand
is engraved with the makers name, address and instrument serial number. This
number, 3952, dates it to 1895. The
microscope comes with a host of accessories including a
triple nosepiece changer, limb-mounted forceps, oblique
illuminator and a small tubular
microscope. The eyepiece accessories include 4
different power "top hat" type eyepiece, an insert for conventional
oculars, a micrometer eyepiece, Penfold
eyepiece, a drawing eyepiece with 2 swinging
filters and a clip-on eye shield. A rotating selenite
stage with 3 selenites in their brass can, are also fitted into the
case. Six
objectives (1 ½ in, 24mm, 12mm & 6mm Holos, 4mm Apo & 1/12 in oil
imm.), all in their brass cans and a nosepiece analyser, are fitted into the
case. The sub-stage accessories include a
lever-operated iris and swing-out filter holder with RMS threads for the
condensers, a Parachromatic condenser,
a Holos immersion parabolic oil condenser, a poleriser which plugs in under the
sub-stage and a small box containing the stops and filters for the sub-stage
condenser. The substantial original case has detent
catches to the top and bottom of the door, a lock (key missing) and a knob on
the door front, with leather handle to the top. The instrument is in excellent
working condition, mechanically & optically. An extremely rare example, and
a top class microscope, the best made by Watson at the end of the 19th
century.
A fine “SCHOOL” microscope by W.WATSON &
SONS, 313 High Holborn, London in its original mahogany case. This instrument was designed mainly for educational
purposes. This all brass microscope is engraved on the
foot by Watson and has the serial number 5109
which dates it to 1899. It has drawtube and rack & pinion main focussing. The microscope comes with accessories,
which include 3 objectives (1/6, 2/3 & 1 inch), in lacquered brass cans and
an iris diaphragm sub-stage condenser. It has two eyepieces and it has a square
stage with slides clips. The plano-concave mirror is in
good condition both sides. The microscope, which has
all original lacquer, is in very good condition and comes in a fitted mahogany
case with all its accessories. The case has a leather
handle and brass hinges.
The 20th century
At the turn of the century, Watson had a good range of microscope models for sale, providing for the cheaper “school” model through to the grand “Van Heurck” models – click on one of the thumbnails below (and be patient) to view the full sized Watson advert.
An
early WATSON EDINBURGH model “F” microscope,
with accessories in its original fitted mahogany case.
The main focus is by rack & pinion and the draw tube is calibrated for easy
setting of tube length. The fine focus is by micrometer thumbwheel-lever. The microscope has a plain square stage with slide clips. The
mechanical, sub-stage has thumbwheel controlled rack
& pinion adjustment. The main sub-stage accessory comprise a barrel
operated iris and replaceable general purpose type condenser with RMS thread.
The plano-concave mirror is on a swing-out limb for
oblique illumination, and the stand is engraved with
the makers name, address and instrument serial number. This number, 5397, dates it to about 1900. The microscope has a
triple nosepiece changer and comes with three objectives (1/6, 2/3 & 1
inch), all in lacquered brass cans, and two eyepieces, (X6 & X10). The case has a leather handle, brass hinges
to the door, catch and original lock but no key. The whole instrument is in
good condition, mechanically & optically, with all original finishes.
ANTIQUE WATSON FRAM MICROSCOPE - A
very comprehensive Watson Fram monocular microscope, in
its original fitted case, dated around 1900 and engraved round the top of the base "W WATSON & SONS. 313 HIGH HOLBORN,
LONDON ". It has a sub-stage
plano-concave mirror, a swing out centring mechanical sub stage with Abbe type
condenser, filter holder & lever operated iris and a horseshoe stage with
measuring matrix and stage clips. The slide-out drawtube is calibrated. The main focus
is by rack & pinion and thumbwheel fine focus. This microscope
is in excellent mechanical working order. The accessories
include, 3 eyepieces, 2-signed objectives (1/6 & 2/3 inch) and a twin
nosepiece. The overall finish is original and very good. The instrument comes
in its original mahogany case with lock & key.
A WATSON Royal Van Heurck microscope,
with accessories in its original fitted mahogany case.
One of the best models made by Watson. The main focus and first stage draw tube
is by rack & pinion and the drawtubes are calibrated for easy setting of
tube length. The fine focus is by micrometer thumbwheel-lever. The microscope
has a mechanical stage with thumb-wheel "X - Y" control, rotating
upper and slide clips. The mechanical, centring, sub-stage has thumbwheel
controlled rack & pinion adjustment and swings out for ease of changing the
sub-stage accessories. The sub-stage accessories comprise a lever operated iris
and swing-out filter holder Abbe condenser. The plano-convex mirror is on a
swing-out limb for oblique illumination, and the stand
is engraved with the makers name, address and instrument serial number. This
number, 5921, dates it to about 1900. The
microscope has a triple nosepiece changer and comes with accessories
including three objectives (1/6, 1/12 & 1 inch), all in lacquered brass
cans, two eyepieces. The case has a leather handle, brass hinges to the door. The
whole instrument is in very good condition, mechanically & optically, with
all original finishes. A top class microscope from the turn of the 19th/20th
century.
A WATSON Royal Van Heurck microscope,
with accessories in its original fitted mahogany case.
One of the best models made by Watson. The main focus and first stage draw tube
is by rack & pinion and the drawtubes are calibrated for easy setting of
tube length. The fine focus is by micrometer thumbwheel-lever. The microscope
has a mechanical stage with thumb-wheel "X - Y" control, rotating
upper and slide clips. The mechanical, centring, sub-stage has thumbwheel
controlled rack & pinion adjustment and swings out for ease of changing the
sub-stage accessories. The sub-stage accessories comprise a lever operated iris
and swing-out filter holder Universal condenser. The plano-convex mirror is on
a swing-out limb for oblique illumination, and the stand
is engraved with the makers name, address and instrument serial number. This
number, 6511, dates it to about 1902. The
microscope has a double nosepiece changer and comes with accessories
including three objectives (1/6, 2/3 & 1 inch), all in lacquered brass
cans, three eyepieces, (Nos. 4, 5 & 6).
The case has a leather handle, brass hinges to
the door and original working lock & key. The whole instrument is in very
good condition, mechanically & optically, with all original finishes. A top
class microscope from the first few years of the 20th century.
A WATSON EDINBURGH model “H” microscope, with accessories in its original fitted
mahogany case. One of the best models made by
Watson. The main focus is by rack & pinion and the drawtube
is calibrated for easy setting of tube length. The fine
focus is by micrometer thumbwheel-lever. The microscope has a mechanical stage with thumb-wheel "X - Y" control, each
with silvered verniers, and rotating upper stage with slide clips. The
mechanical, centring, sub-stage has thumbwheel controlled rack & pinion
adjustment and swings out for ease of changing the sub-stage accessories. The
sub-stage accessories comprise a lever operated iris and swing-out filter
holder Abbe condenser. The plano-concave mirror is on a swing-out limb for
oblique illumination, and the stand
is engraved with the makers name, address and instrument serial number. This
number, 6561, dates it to about 1904. The
microscope has a twin nosepiece changer and comes with accessories
including two objectives (1/6 & 2/3 inch), in lacquered brass cans, two
eyepieces (No.3 & No.6), an Abbe sub-stage condenser with lever iris and
swing-out filter ring with blue filter and a lacquered brass can containing 9
dark ground and oblique illumination stops.
The case has a leather handle, brass hinges
and catch to the door. The whole instrument is in very good condition,
mechanically & optically. A top class microscope from the turn of the 19th/20th
century.
AN ANTIQUE EDINBURGH PETROLOGICAL MICROSCOPE by Watson & Sons
Not only can you get the best view of your mineral slides
form this microscope but you can also measure the angles as the Victorians saw
them on this rare, full-blown petrological microscope which
is signed on the stand "W. WATSON & SONS, 313
High Holborn, London. " This all brass Victorian microscope is
numbered "8021" which dates it
to about 1907. It has the built-in polarising prism on a
slide above the objective and calibrated rotating stage
with slide clips. There is a twin nosepiece and course focussing by twin wheel
rack & pinion. The fine focussing is by a calibrated wheel on the elbow of
the limb. It comes with 1/6, 1 & 2 inch objectives in cans and a Holos x20
& B & C eyepieces and even an immersion oil bottle. It also has a large
calibrated sub stage analyser as well as the sub-stage bullseye and iris
mounted on a swing-out mechanical sub-stage.
The plano-concave mirror is also mounted on a swing out arm. The whole instrument and accessories come in the original
fitted mahogany case with lock and key. Even the case door has the original maker's name and logo.
A
WATSON Circuit Stage Van Heurck microscope, with accessories, in a fitted mahogany case. The main focus and first stage draw tube is by
rack & pinion. Sub-stage fine control and fine focus is by
thumbwheel-lever, and the two draw tubes have scales
for ease of setting tube length. The microscope has a
full 360 degree rotating mechanical stage with
thumb-wheel "X - Y" control & vernier scales
to the X, Y & rotation and a slide clamp with clips. There is also a pair
of fine controls to centre the stage. The mechanical, centring, sub-stage has thumbwheel controlled rack & pinion
adjustment and holds a lever-operated iris and swing-out filter holder with RMS
threads for the condensers. The
plano-convex mirror is on a swing-out limb for
oblique illumination, and the stand is engraved with
the makers name, address and instrument serial number. This number, 9788, dates it to 1907. The microscope comes with
a host of accessories including a quadruple nosepiece
changer, five objectives (1/6, 2/3, 1 & 2 in. Paras & a 6 mm Holos) a
"top hat" Holos eyepiece, an insert for conventional oculars, a
micrometer eyepiece, a X10 Holos, X20, X10, X8, X7, & X6 conventional
oculars. The sub-stage accessories are
a universal condenser, a Holos immersion parabolic oil condenser and a
polariser. There is a nosepiece analyser with brass caps, a live box and a wet
trough, also fitted into the case. The substantial original case has the original working lock & key. The
instrument is in excellent working condition, mechanically & optically,
with all original finishes. A top class microscope, from the first decade of
the 20th century.
W.WATSON & SONS Ltd.
AN ANTIQUE MICROSCOPE OIL LAMP by W.
WATSON & SONS Ltd.
A
microscopist’s oil lamp with the name of the maker cast into the lacquered brass ring base with spare
glass windows in a mahogany case.
The lamp base is a cast brass ring
with vertical square section brass rod attached. The vertical rod has a further
brass sleeve with circular bracket for the lamp and shade for vertical
adjustment. The flat glass reservoir holding the lamp
oil has a glass stopper and brass burner. The chimney has a brass lug to plug into
the bracket holding the burner. The oil burner with adjustable wick is screwed
into a brass ring on top of the oil well. The chimney has a replaceable glass
window. The pillar is 9 1/2 inches tall with a lifting ring on top. The height
of the lamp can be extended by sliding the well assembly up the pillar, to make
the overall height over 18 inches. This should be high enough to suit most
microscopes. The mahogany case has a brass carrying
handle, lock but no key and two catches. An extract
from a Watson catalogue explains more. The lamp is in excellent working order,
and provides vintage style illumination for any antique
microscope (Van Heurck not included).
A fine antique
WATSON EDINBURGH
“H” microscope, with
accessories, in its fitted mahogany case. The stand is engraved with the makers
name and address, W. WATSON & SONS, 313 HIGH
HOLBORN, LONDON and instrument serial number
10148, which dates it to about 1907.
Placed over the top of the address is the retailers
label, WALLACE HEATON Ltd, LONDON W.1.
The main focus is by rack & pinion and fine focus is by thumbwheel
micrometer. The microscope has a triple nosepiece
changer, a mechanical stage with thumb-wheel "X
- Y" control, ”X-Y” verniers and slide clips. The mechanical, centring, sub-stage has thumbwheel controlled fine adjustment and
holds a lever-operated iris, Abbe type condenser and swing-out filter holder.
The plano-concave mirror is on a swinging limb for oblique illumination. The
microscope comes with accessories comprising a
polariser, an analyser, a set of filters and stops in a lacquered brass can,
three signed objectives (1 inch, ½ inch & 1/6 inch Paras, in matching
signed brass cans) and two eyepieces (nos. 6 & 10). The fitted mahogany case has a mahogany& brass handle, brass hinges to
the door and a working lock & key. The whole instrument
is in excellent working condition, mechanically & optically, with all fine
original finishes. As good an example of this fine model as you will find.
An ANTIQUE WATSON FRAM MICROSCOPE - A very nice Watson Fram monocular microscope, with accessories, in its original case, engraved at the top of the base
"FRAM 10213", dating to
about 1908. It has a good sub-stage plano-concave mirror, a swing out
mechanical sub stage with Abbe condenser, lever operated iris and swing-out
filter holder. It has a full thumbwheel controlled mechanical stage, with slide clips. The main focus is by rack &
pinion and it has thumbwheel fine focus. The body
finish is a rich golden lacquer. The accessories
include, 2 eyepieces, 3 objectives (1/4,
1 & 2 inch) in matching lacquered brass cans, a free-standing
bullseye condenser and a triple nosepiece changer. The overall finish is very
good. The instrument comes in it's original mahogany case
with lock & key. With all the mechanical fittings this microscope is an
Edinburgh “H” model except for the lightweight foot.
A WATSON FRAM MICROSCOPE - A very nice Watson Fram monocular microscope,
with accessories, in its original case, engraved at
the top of the base "FRAM 11058". The number 11058 dates it to about 1909. It has a sub-stage
plano-concave mirror, a swing out sub stage with Abbe condenser, and a square
stage, with slide clips. The main focus is by rack & pinion and it has
thumbwheel fine focus. The body finish is a rich
golden lacquer. The accessories include, 3 eyepieces
(X6, X10 & X15), 2 objectives (1/6 & 2/3 inch) in lacquered brass cans
and a twin nosepiece. The overall finish is very good. The instrument comes in
it's original mahogany case with lock & key.
A rare
WATSON Edinburgh microscope, with accessories in its original fitted
mahogany case. Although at first sight, this
microscope could be mistaken for the Edinburgh “H” model, the layout of the stage controls suggest a different type. The “X-Y”
controls are set at an angle to the stage and are concentric, allowing a
perfectly flush stage in front of the limb. This has the advantage that culture
plates or continuous samples can be examined. The opening in the stage is also
extra-large, with a width of some 2 ½ inches. The stage is listed in Watson’s
1913 catalogue as the “SCOP” stage. The main focus is by rack & pinion and
the draw tube is calibrated for easy setting of tube length. The fine focus is
by micrometer thumbwheel-lever. The mechanical, centring, sub-stage
has thumbwheel controlled rack & pinion adjustment and swings out for ease
of changing the sub-stage accessories. The main sub-stage accessories comprise
a lever operated iris and swing-out filter holder with two stage Universal
condenser. The plano-convex mirror is on a swing-out limb for oblique
illumination, and the stand is engraved with the makers
name, address and instrument serial number. This
number, 12403, dates it to 1910. The
microscope has a triple nosepiece changer and comes with accessories
including three objectives (1/6, 1 & 2 inch), all in lacquered brass cans,
three eyepieces, (a No. 0, a No. 1 & a No. 4). The case has a brass & mahogany
handle, brass hinges to the door and original working lock & key. The whole
instrument is in excellent condition, mechanically & optically, with all
original finishes. A very rare, top class microscope, from the first decade of
the 20th century.
A
WATSON Royal Van Heurck microscope, with accessories in its original fitted
mahogany case. One of the best models
made by Watson. The main focus and first stage draw tube is by rack &
pinion and the draw tubes are calibrated for easy
setting of tube length. The fine focus is by micrometer thumbwheel-lever. The microscope has a mechanical stage with thumb-wheel
"X - Y" control and a slide clamp with clips. The mechanical,
centring, sub-stage has thumbwheel controlled rack & pinion adjustment and
swings out for ease of changing the sub-stage accessories. The main sub-stage
accessories comprise a lever operated iris and swing-out filter holder with RMS
threads to take either the two stage Universal condenser or the dark ground.
The plano-convex mirror is on a swing-out limb for
oblique illumination, and the stand is engraved with
the makers name, address and instrument serial number. This number, 12642, dates it to 1910. The microscope has a
triple nosepiece changer and comes with accessories
including three objectives (1/6 & 2/3 Paras & 1/12 oil immersion), all
in matching lacquered brass cans, three "top hat" type eyepieces, (a
Holos 7, a No. 2 & a No. 4). The case has a brass & mahogany handle, brass hinges to
the door and original working lock & key. The whole instrument is in the
very best condition, mechanically & optically, with all original finishes.
A top class microscope from the first decade of the 20th century It looks and feels as though it has never
been used. I am sure you will not find a better example.
A WATSON ROYAL Van Heurck microscope,
as illustrated in Watson’s 1905 catalogue, with accessories and Wenham binocular body, in a fitted
mahogany case. The main focus and monocular body
first stage draw tube is by rack & pinion and fine focus is by
thumbwheel-lever. The binocular body tube
inter-ocular separation is by thumbwheel controlled rack & pinion. The microscope has a mechanical stage with thumb-wheel
"X - Y" control and a slide clamp with clips, a swing-out mechanical
centring sub-stage, a Plano-convex mirror which is good, both sides and the stand is engraved with the makers name, address and
instrument serial number. This number, 12810,
dates it to about 1910. The microscope comes with three objectives (16mm Holos,
1/8 and 2 inch Parachromatic) in lacquered brass cans, 2 "top hat"
type eyepieces, a pair of X6 eyepieces with adapters, a No. 1 indicating eyepiece
and a No. 7 variable power Holos eyepiece. Sub-stage accessories include a
universal condenser with lever-operated iris and swing-out filter holder, a
Holos Oil condenser with lever-operated iris and swing-out filter holder and a
can of coloured filters and various shaped dark ground stops. The case has a wood and brass handle, brass hinges and a
working lock with key and even the original spanner to adjust the compass
joint. The whole instrument is in excellent working condition with all original
finishes.
A
WATSON Edinburgh “F” microscope, with accessories in its original fitted
mahogany case. The main focus and first stage draw
tube is by rack & pinion and the draw tube is calibrated for easy setting
of tube length. The fine focus is by micrometer thumbwheel-lever. The microscope has a plain square stage with Watson
mechanical overstage with thumb-wheel "X -
Y" control and a slide clamp. The mechanical, swing-out, sub-stage has thumbwheel controlled rack & pinion
adjustment and swings out for ease of changing the sub-stage accessories. The
main sub-stage accessories comprise a lever operated iris and swing-out filter
holder and Abbe type condenser. The plano-concave mirror
is on a swing-out limb for oblique illumination, and the stand
is engraved with the makers name, address and instrument serial number. This
number, 13185, dates it to about 1911.
The microscope has a triple nosepiece changer and comes with three objectives
(1/6 & 2/3 Paras & 1/12 oil immersion), all in matching lacquered brass
cans, and two eyepieces, (a No. 2 & a No. 4). The case has a brass & mahogany
handle, brass hinges to the door and original working lock & key. The whole
instrument is in very good condition, mechanically & optically, with all
original finishes. –
A W.WATSON & SONS “PRAXIS” microscope, with accessories in a fitted oak case. The main focus is by rack & pinion and fine
focus is by thumbwheel micrometer. The microscope
has a swing out mechanical sub-stage, the mirror is on a fixed limb, and the
brass continental style flat “Y” stand is engraved with the makers name,
address and instrument serial number 18454 (which
dates it to about 1915) and the model type. The square stage
has spring clips for slides. The microscope has a triple nosepiece changer and
Abbe type substage condenser with swing-out filter stage. The instrument comes
with accessories comprising three objectives (1/6
inch, 2/3 inch & 1/4 inch), a x6 and a No. 5 eyepiece. The case has a leather handle, brass hinges to the door and
its original working lock & key. The whole instrument is in excellent working
condition, mechanically & optically. - £325
A W.WATSON &
SONS “Mining Student” microscope,
with accessories in a fitted mahogany case. The main focus is by rack & pinion
and fine focus is by thumbwheel micrometer. The microscope
has a swing out mechanical sub-stage, the mirror is
on a swinging limb, and the stand is engraved with the makers name, address and instrument serial number 20010 (which dates it to about 1917), the agents name and address and the model
type. The circular rotating stage has a
360 degree scale engraved around the edge to serve as a goniometer, spring
clips for slides and a vernier fixed to the stand. The microscope has a twin
nosepiece changer and Nicol prism analyser &
quartz wedge fitted on sliding shoes into the body tube just above the
nosepiece. The instrument comes with accessories comprising two objectives
(1 inch, & 1/6 inch, in lacquered
brass cans) and a micrometer eyepiece, which has a locating lug to fit the slot
at the top of the draw tube, and a sub-stage
polarising Abbe type condenser with 360 degree calibration and pointer. The case has a brass handle, brass hinges to the door and
its original lock. The whole instrument is in excellent working condition, mechanically
& optically.
A WATSON Metallurgical Van Heurck microscope, with accessories in a fitted mahogany
case. This model, serial number 23035,
made during WWI was named the “MINT METALLURGICAL”
microscope. A table of powers on the inside of the case door is also dated
1917.
The main focus and first stage
draw tube is by rack & pinion and fine focus is by micrometer
thumbwheel-lever. Both draw tubes are engraved
with scales and the microscope stands 24 inches high when fully extended. The microscope has a mechanical
stage with thumb-wheel "X - Y" control & vernier scales and a slide clamp with clip, on a circular
rotating stage, which is clamped by thumbscrew
beneath the stage. The stage is engraved 0 – 360 degrees and has a vernier
scale, but due to the configuration of the stage controls, will only rotate
through a total of 275 degrees. The whole stage assembly is adjustable in the
vertical plane by thumbwheel controlled rack & pinion, to allow focussing
of the (opaque) sample without disturbing the transmitted light path. The
instrument, which is designed for examining opaque samples, is not fitted with
any sub-stage or mirror. Instead, the microscope
has a nosepiece vertical illuminator with iris and
prism on a rotating shaft. This allows for the light (entering the body tube at
right angles to the optical path, to be stopped down and focussed onto the
sample through the microscope objective. The microscope comes with accessories
including three objectives (1/8 & 2/3 Paras, & 1/12 oil immersion) an
eyepiece converter and 4 different oculars. There is also a microscope slide
case containing about a dozen prepared metal samples. The main case has a brass and wooden handle, brass hinges to
the door and a working lock but no key. The whole instrument is in excellent
working condition, mechanically & optically, with all original finishes. A
top class microscope, from the early 20th century.
A W.WATSON & SONS “PRAXIS” petrological microscope, with accessories in a fitted mahogany case.
The main focus is by rack & pinion and fine focus is by
thumbwheel micrometer. The microscope has a swing out
mechanical sub-stage, the mirror is on a swinging limb, and the stand is
engraved with the makers name, address and instrument
serial number 24625 (which dates it to
about 1919) and the model type. The circular rotating stage
has a 360-degree scale engraved around the edge and a vernier fixed to the
stand to serve as a goniometer and with spring clips for slides. The microscope
has a triple nosepiece changer and Nicol prism analyser & slot for quartz
wedge fitted on sliding shoes into the body tube just above the nosepiece. The
instrument comes with accessories comprising three
objectives (1 1/2 inch, 2/3 inch & 1/6 inch, in brass cans), a x10 eyepiece
and a cross web eyepiece, which has a locating lug to fit the slot at the top
of the drawtube, and a sub-stage polarising condenser
with 360-degree calibration and pointer. The case has a
leather handle, brass hinges to the door and its original lock. The whole
instrument is in excellent working condition, mechanically & optically. –
A vintage WATSON SERVICE microscope. This vintage microscope is
engraved on the front of the body tube with the
makers name, address, W.WATSON & SONS Ltd.,
LONDON, model and serial number
"SERVICE", 24929, dating to 1919. It has a calibrated extending draw tube,
rack & pinion main focus, micrometer fine focus,
triple nosepiece and slide clips above the square stage. Beneath the stage is a
swing-out sub-stage, which holds an “Abbe” type condenser,
lever operated iris diaphragm, and swing out filter holder. The plano-concave
mirror, which is good both sides is mounted from an arm below the stage. The
microscope comes with 3 objectives (1/6 para, 2/3 para & 1in para) and one
eyepiece (x10). The whole microscope is in good working order both mechanically
and optically, and is a fine example of the early version of the Service
microscope, which was only introduced in 1919.
A vintage WATSON SERVICE microscope. This
vintage microscope is labelled on the front of the body tube with the makers name, address, W.WATSON & SONS Ltd., LONDON, model and serial
number "SERVICE",
24991, dating to 1919. It has a calibrated extending eyepiece tube, rack & pinion main focus,
fine focus, twin nosepiece and slide clips above the square stage. Beneath the
stage is a swing-out sub-stage, which comprises; “Abbe” type condenser and swing out filter holder, and plano-concave
mirror, which is good both sides. The microscope comes with 2 objectives (1/6
para. & 2/3 para) and an eyepiece (x8). The microscope and accessories come
in a fitted mahogany case with carrying handle and
lock but no key.
A vintage WATSON SERVICE microscope A
very serviceable Watson "Service" microscope. This vintage microscope is labelled on the front of the body tube
with the makers name, address, W.WATSON & SONS
Ltd., LONDON, model and serial number
"SERVICE", 25053, dating to about 1920. It has a calibrated extending eyepiece tube, rack
& pinion main focus, fine focus, triple nosepiece and slide clips above the
square stage. Beneath the stage is a swing-out mechanical sub-stage and
plano-concave mirror, which is good both sides. The microscope
comes with 3 objectives (2/3 para., 1/6 para. & 1/12 oil imm.) each in
their own brass cans. The 1/6 & 2/3 are labelled Watson and the 1/12 is a
Seibert. There are 2 eyepieces (x10 & x6) and a substage Abbe type
condenser with iris diaphragm and filter/stop holder. The microscope
and parts come in a fitted mahogany case with
carrying handle, lock and key.
A WATSON Metallurgical EDINBURGH model microscope,
with accessories, in a fitted mahogany case. This
model, serial number 34601,
was made in 1925. A table of powers on the inside of the case door is also
dated 1925. The main focus is by rack & pinion and fine focus is by micrometer thumbwheel-lever. The draw tube is engraved with scales and the microscope stands 18
inches high when fully extended. The microscope has
a mechanical stage with thumb-wheel "X -
Y" control &. the whole stage assembly is adjustable in the vertical
plane by thumbwheel controlled rack & pinion, to allow focussing of the
(opaque) sample without disturbing the transmitted light path above the stage.
The instrument, which is designed primarily for examining opaque samples, is
fitted with a sub-stage mirror for normal viewing.
As well as a nosepiece condenser vertical illuminator with counter balance
weight, for early electrical illumination, the microscope has a conventional
Vertical Illuminator in a matching lacquered brass can. . This allows for the light (entering the
body tube at right angles to the optical path, to be stopped down and focussed
onto the sample through the microscope objective. The microscope comes with accessories including three objectives (1/6 & 2/3,
& 1 1/2 inch Paras) in matching brass cans and 3 different oculars. The
main case has brass hinges to the door and a working
lock & key. The whole instrument is in excellent working condition,
mechanically & optically, with all original finishes. A top class microscope,
from the early 20th century.
A vintage WATSON SERVICE microscope. This vintage microscope is
labelled on the front of the body tube with the
makers name, address, W.WATSON & SONS Ltd.,
LONDON, model and serial number
"SERVICE", 36105, dating to 1925. It has a calibrated extending eyepiece tube, rack & pinion main focus,
fine focus, twin nosepiece and slide clips above the square stage. Beneath the
stage is a swing-out sub-stage, which comprises; “Abbe” type condenser, swing out filter holder, and plano-concave
mirror, which is good both sides. The microscope comes with 2 objectives (1/6
para & 2/3 para) and an eyepiece (x10).
A
vintage WATSON PETROLOGICAL microscope. A Watson
Service model Petrological microscope with accessories in it's fitted case.
The name and address W Watson & Sons, Ltd., London,
is engraved
on the wide body tube along with the serial number 40247, which
dates the instrument to 1927. The circular rotating and centring stage, has 360
degree engraving and a fixed vernier with slide clips. There is rack & pinion main
focus and thumbwheel micrometer fine focus and a twin nosepiece. The body tube splits by
way of a lever-operated clamp, allowing the top section to be removed. The
extending drawtube is pegged and has a guide slot to prevent rotation as well
as an extension scale.
There is a Nicol prism analyser on a sliding shoe and a Quartz wedge (?) on
another shoe, both built into the body tube just above the nose. The microscope has a swing-out sub-stage
to hold the goniometer polarizer. The plano-concave mirror is in good condition both
sides. The microscope comes with a wide range of accessories including sub-stage
polariser, two eyepieces (one of which is a micrometer ocular) and three
objectives (1 inch, 2/3 & 1/6 inch) all in brass black lacquered cans, and
a detachable twin nosepiece changer. All this comes in a mahogany case
with leather handle, brass hinges & lock and the Watson log on the front of
the door. The whole instrument is in very good
working order and is cosmetically fine.
A WATSON EDINBURGH “H”
microscope, with accessories, in a fitted mahogany case. The main focus is by rack & pinion and fine focus is by thumbwheel-lever micrometer. The microscope has a mechanical stage
with thumb-wheel "X - Y" control and a slide clamp with clip. The
mechanical, centring, swing-out sub-stage has
thumbwheel controlled fine adjustment and holds a lever-operated iris, Para
condenser and swing-out filter holder. The plano-convex mirror is on a plug-in
limb, and the stand is engraved with the makers name,
address, model type, and instrument serial number 40319, which dates it to about 1925. The
microscope comes with accessories comprising three
objectives (1/8, 1/6 & 2/3 Paras, in matching brass cans) and two
eyepieces, a X15 and a X6. The case has a leather covered handle, brass hinges to the
door and a working lock & key and the trade plate for Broadhurst Clarkson
on the inside of the door. The whole instrument is in excellent working
condition, mechanically & optically, with all original finishes.
A
QUASI-VAN HEURCK WATSON EDINBURGH “H” STUDENT microscope, with accessories, in a fitted mahogany case.
The main focus is by rack & pinion and fine focus is by thumbwheel-lever
micrometer. The tube length is set by a double extending, thumbwheel Van Heurck
type control. The microscope has a detachable
mechanical stage with thumb-wheel "X - Y" control, a slide clamp and
verniers for both axis. The mechanical, centring, swing-out sub-stage
has thumbwheel controlled fine adjustment and holds a calibrated lever-operated
iris, Universal condenser, and two swing-out filter holders, one with blue
filter and the other with a dark ground stop. The plano-convex mirror is on a
plug-in limb, and the stand is engraved with the
makers name, address, model type and instrument serial number 40355, which dates it to about 1925. The
microscope comes with accessories comprising three
Holos objectives (8 mm, 6 mm & 3 inch, in matching lacquered brass cans)
and two eyepieces, a X4 and a X6. As
well as the Van Heurck tube set the wide body accommodates a removable single
extending wide eye tube, which holds a Watson eyepiece micrometer.
The case has a leather covered handle, brass hinges to the door and a working
lock & key. The whole instrument is in excellent working condition,
mechanically & optically, with all original finishes and although the stand
is engraved “Edinburgh Student H”, it is almost up to the standard of a No.1
Van Heurck.
A vintage WATSON KIMA microscope. This
vintage microscope is labelled on the front of the body tube with the makers name, address, W.WATSON & SONS Ltd., LONDON, model and serial
number "KIMA",
44882, dating to 1929. It has rack & pinion main focus,
fine focus, twin nosepiece and slide clips above the square stage. Beneath the
stage is an “Abbe” type condenser with lever-operated
iris, swing out filter holder and plano-concave mirror, which is good both
sides. The microscope comes with 2 objectives (1/6 para & 2/3 para) and an
eyepiece (x10).
A
vintage microscope, possibly one of the last
EDINBURGH
“H”, models made by WATSON
, with accessories in it’s fitted mahogany case.
The main focus is by rack & pinion and fine focus is by thumbwheel-micrometer. The drawtube is
calibrated on one side “with nosepiece” and on the other side “without nosepiece”. The microscope has a triple nosepiece
and mechanical stage with thumb-wheel "X -
Y" control and slide clips. The mechanical, centring, sub-stage has thumbwheel controlled fine adjustment and
holds a lever-operated iris, Para condenser and swing-out filter holder. All
the thumbwheels, handles and other white-metal parts seem to be silver-plated,
not chrome plated which is extremely rare. The Plano-concave mirror is on a
plug-in limb, and the stand is engraved with the makers name
& address, model type and instrument serial number 53219, which
dates it to about 1933. The microscope comes with accessories
comprising five objectives (1/4, 1/6, 1/12, 2/3 &2in Paras, in matching bakelite
cans) and five eyepieces (X5, X6, X8, X10 and a X12) and a swing-out Abbe type
sub-stage condenser above a lever operated iris. The case has a leather covered handle,
brass hinges to the door and a working lock & key. The whole instrument is
in excellent working condition, mechanically & optically, with all original
finishes.
A
vintage WATSON SERVICE microscope with
accessories in its fitted mahogany case. This vintage microscope is labelled on
the front of the body tube with the makers name,
address, W.WATSON & SONS Ltd., LONDON, model and serial
number "SERVICE", 60672, dating to 1935. The calibration chart on the inside of the case door confirms that it
was made in 1935, as well as showing the magnifications for the lenses. It has
a calibrated extending eyepiece tube, rack & pinion main focus, fine focus,
triple nosepiece and slide clips above the square stage. A full mechanical overstage with verniers is also present. Beneath the
stage is a mechanical sub-stage, which comprises; “Abbe” type condenser with
lever-operated iris, swing out filter holder and plano-concave mirror, which is
good both sides. The microscope comes with 3 objectives (1/6, 2/3 & 1/12
oil imm.) all in bakelite containers and 2 eyepieces (x10 & x6), blank
slides, cover slips, immersion oil, coloured filters, the original handbook and
even the original screw to hold the microscope in the case. The microscope is
housed in a mahogany case with brass hinges,
leather handle and working lock and key. A truly comprehensive vintage Watson
outfit in excellent working order
A vintage WATSON SERVICE microscope. This vintage microscope is
labelled on the front of the body tube with the
makers name, address, W.WATSON & SONS Ltd.,
LONDON, model and serial number
"SERVICE", 77809, dating to 1942. It has a calibrated extending eyepiece tube, rack & pinion main focus,
fine focus, triple nosepiece and slide clips above the square stage. Beneath
the stage is a mechanical sub-stage, which comprises; “Abbe” type condenser with lever-operated iris, swing out filter
holder and plano-concave mirror, which is good both sides. The microscope comes
with 3 objectives (1/8 para, 1/6 para & 2/3 para) and an eyepiece (x6).
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