Antique c1900 English Brass Drum Microscope Case Flea Specimen Slides For Sale

Antique c.1900 English Brass Drum / Student Field Microscope with Fitted Wooden Case & Original Period Accessories

Wonderful antique brass student/naturalist microscope in its fitted wooden carrying case, dating to approximately c.1900.

The set is unsigned, as is common with this type of English student drum microscope. A closely comparable surviving example with the same general microscope construction, fitted case, brass forceps and specimen accessories has been catalogued as English, c.1900.

What makes this example particularly interesting is the group of surviving period microscopy accessories and specimens still with it.

Included:

* Brass drum microscope

* Original-style fitted wooden case

* Long brass specimen forceps/tweezers

* Glass specimen slides

* Decoratively printed period specimen mount containing an actual adult flea, handwritten “Puce” (French for flea)

* Period “FEATHER” specimen envelope with surviving blue feather material

* Additional pieces/accessories shown in photographs

The flea is remarkably well preserved and clearly visible when the mount is held to light. Based on its morphology it may be Pulex (human-flea group), but I am not guaranteeing a species identification.

The wooden case is approximately 6–7 inches long; please refer to the ruler photographs for exact measurements.

This is an antique scientific instrument and is being sold in its present condition. It shows expected age, patina, wear and oxidation. I have not cleaned or polished the brass, and I would recommend leaving the original patina intact. Please examine all photographs carefully for condition and completeness.

An especially appealing survivor for a collector of antique microscopes, Victorian/Edwardian scientific instruments, natural-history specimens or early microscopy.

Everything pictured is included.