An antique Spindler & Hoyer ‘Junior’ microscope, made in Gottingen, Germany c.1925. It was decribed in catalogues of the time as being 'perfect for travel and fieldwork’. This model was in production from c.1920 - c.1925. Although there are no maker's marks, this is a well-known Spindler & Hoyer design which featured in London scientific instrument retailers catalogues in the 1920s, including those of John J. Griffin Ltd and Baird & Tatlock Ltd.
The pocket microscope is stored in a black oxydised-finish cylindrical brass case, marked ‘Germany’ on the bottom of the case and under the stage, and 'Junior' on the top of the case. The upper section of the cylinder is screwed off and the microscope can then be unscrewed from the lower section. The three legs are then attached to form the tripod stand. The three objective lenses are screw threaded to the end of the body, and the three components can be added or subtracted to vary the magnification. This system was very similar to the late 19th century ‘Drum’ type microscopes. The microscope is focused by sliding the body tube up or down in a pressure-fit sleeve.
Drum Pattern Pocket or Field Microscope: This type of simple field microscope, featuring a large mirror opening, a rotating mirror, extendable eyepiece, and a slide viewing platform, was invented by Benjamin Martin, an English scientific instrument maker in the middle of the 18th century. Martin is believed to have produced several versions of this type of microscope between the 1750s and his death in 1782. In the mid-19th century the drum microscope was popularized by the instrument maker Georg Oberhausser, who was based in Paris from the 1830s. These microscopes would typicaly have been used in the field by amateur geologists, botanists and other scientists.
Spindler & Hoyer: The Spindler & Hoyer optical company was established in 1898 by Julius Adolf Hoyer (1874-1943) and August Spindler (1870-1927). They produced an extensive range of optical instruments, including microscopes and binoculars, and during WW1 and WW2 they were one of the main suppliers of binoculars to the German army.
Condition:
In very good condition, with minor signs of use, some marks to the black finish of the case, and some wear to the mirror. In full working order.
Dimensions:
Microscope width (Legs attached): 120mm
Microscope height: 150mm
Case Length: 135mm
Case diameter: 38mm
