Anyone who has ever seen or used an antique microscope can attest to the fact that they are unique. Looking through an antique microscope is a true joy because of the feel of the metal in your hand, the satisfying action of focusing the rings or raising or lowering the slide plate, and the sturdiness with which they are built. The advantages of a classic microscope are numerous, and even the search for one can be a rewarding experience in and of itself.
Because they rely on lenses to magnify visible light in order to better study a specimen on a slide, the earliest microscopes are known as optical microscopes, or simply light microscopes. Non-optical microscopes are more common these days, and they often use some kind of special staining, such as ions or chemicals, to achieve magnifications far beyond what an optical microscope can achieve. Transmission and scanning electron microscopes are examples of the newer types. By necessity, an antique microscope will be of the optical variety.
A simple microscope is the most basic type of antique microscope available, and it only has one lens. With a slide plate that can be raised or lowered, this lens is fixed in a stationary position. A simple microscope is essentially a well-made magnifying glass, and this type of microscope is very old and very rare, with examples dating back to around the 11th century. More often than not, an antique microscope will be of the compound variety, with multiple lenses allowing for increasing magnification levels. Compound microscopes date from the late sixteenth or early seventeenth centuries.
The majority of antique microscopes date from the mid-nineteenth to early-twentieth centuries. Many different manufacturers produced microscopes in a variety of configurations within this range. The traditional style, with a horseshoe-shaped base and a straight or slightly angled body with a slide plate and long viewing tube, is most often made of brass and dates from the late 19th century or early 20th century. The E. Leitz Wetlar petrological microscope from 1892, the Harvey binocular microscope from 1883, and the Highley’s Educational microscope with chain drive focus from 1860 are all popular models.
An older antique microscope, such as the Gilbert — Sons from 1820, usually has only one viewing shaft and may not even have a built-in slide plate. An antique microscope from a later era, such as the early twentieth century, may have multiple lens shafts for a binocular view and an ornate slide plate that can be adjusted in a variety of ways. Some later models may also have a reflecting lens that allows light to shine through the bottom.
The cost of an antique microscope varies greatly depending on the model, condition, and rarity. As with all antiques, desirability is often determined by its rarity on the market rather than its quality in terms of use. Even antique microscopes from the mid-nineteenth century can be found for less than $200 US Dollars (USD). Thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars, can be spent on a high-end model.