BENJAMIN PIKE,JR NYC ANTIQUE BRASS ROSS COMPOUND ACHROMATIC MICROSCOPE #2 C-1856

Description: Payment | Shipping BENJAMIN PIKE,JR NYC ANTIQUE BRASS ROSS COMPOUND ACHROMATIC MICROSCOPE #2 C-1856 BENJAMIN PIKE, JR NYC ANTIQUE BRASS ROSS COMPOUND ACHROMATIC MICROSCOPE NO. 2 - CIRCA 1856 You are invited to purchase a nicely preserved example of Benjamin Pike, Jr's antique brass Ross Compound Achromatic Microscope No. 2. Benjamin Pike, Jr. was a junior member of a very prominent family of American opticians based in New York City in the 1800s and early 1900s. NOTE: For more on the history of the Pike family of opticians, please see below. This instrument is unsigned and does not bear a traditional serial number. However, by comparing the featured instrument to the microscope illustrated in Figure 789 and described in detail in Pike's 1856 "Illustrated Descriptive Catalogue of Optical, Mathematical, and Philosophical Instruments," we can definitely identify it as an exact example of the Ross Compound Achromatic Microscope No. 2 that was offered for sale by Benjamin Pike, Jr. Note: Please compare the accompanying images of this microscope to an illustration of this microscope model in an accompanying copy of Figure 789 from page 357 of my personal library copy of the 1856 Pike Optical Instrument Catalogue. The exact similarities to the listed instrument are readily apparent. The estimated date of manufacture of this antique brass microscope is circa 1856. The fact that this microscope model is given a title by Pike that includes the last name of the famous English optician, Andrew Ross, is of interest, but it is also problematic. Andrew Ross did produce a similar microscope model during his very early years, but he was likely not the actual manufacturer of this model instrument. Our research shows that similar model microscopes were produced by Andrew Pritchard in England, Charles Chevalier in Paris, France and, very early on in his career, by Charles Spencer in the USA. As noted in the Pike Family History found below, Benjamin Pike, Jr. evidently was not the actual maker of this instrument either. Bracegirdle also states this about Benjamin Pike, Jr. in his book entitled, "Notes on Modern Microscope Manufacturers:" "It is likely that the microscopes were not made by Pike." Thus, this microscope model was most likely imported from Europe and sold by Pike under a private label merchandising arrangement with a continental maker. Some of the physical features of this microscope point towards Charles Chevalier of Paris, France as its most likely original maker. These features include the use of "button" objective lenses commonly used on microscopes of French manufacture, the design of the stage, use of a stage mounted bullseye lens, and the design of the tripod base. DETAILED DESCRIPTION: NOTE: As this instrument is described in detail below, please refer to the accompanying Figure 789 from the Pike Optical Instrument Catalogue for key parts that are identified by letters within parentheses. At the same time, please refer to the accompanying digital images of the microscope so as to also identify the parts of the instrument as they are described. This microscope is built upon a heavy green painted metal tripod foot (G) with unique flared "bowtie-shaped" ends making for a very stable platform for this instrument. Rising from the base is a relatively short lacquered brass pillar (F) that rises to a compass joint. This pillar is designed to screw into the threaded center of the tripod base. This arrangement allows the microscope to be disassembled into certain component parts for storage inside a wood case (Not included). The compass joint allows the microscope to be adjusted to various angles from the vertical for the comfortable viewing of slides mounted atop the stage (C ). Attached to the compass joint is a triangular shaped hollow brass sleeve. Its lower end captures the cylindrical limb of the microscope that is identified in Pike's catalogue description as a round brass column (E) that supports the substage mirror (B). Located just above the brass sleeve is a rectangular brass gearbox with focus controlled by a single brass head (D). The stage of the microscope ( C ) is mechanically attached to the front of this gearbox with two (2) screws. Inserted into the top of this gearbox is a rectangular brass bar with horizontal rackwork built into its rear face. Inside of the gearbox is a pinion gear attached to a brass milled head that is used to adjust the coarse focus by moving the brass bar with the attached body tube either up or down. As the microscope is adjusted downward, the rectangular brass bar with the rackwork nests nicely inside of the hollow brass sleeve and into the top of the round brass column below. At the top of the rectangular brass bar is a brass fitting (also commonly known as a "bar limb") that is circular at its distal end and internally threaded (female threads) and into which the lower male threaded end of the body tube ( A ) of the microscope is threaded and held in place. The lacquered brass body tube ( A) of this microscope is about 7 inches long and 1.21 inches in diameter. The body tube of this microscope is equipped with single wide body eyepiece (K). The eyepiece is unmarked as to power. At the lower end of the body tube is a conical shaped objective lens holder (L) that would normally accommodate one or more stacked button-type objective lenses. Note: No button-type objective lenses accompany this microscope. This design allows each of the individual button-type lenses to be removed (unscrewed) from the objective holder thereby making the microscope suitable for progressively lower power observations. The stage ( C ) of this microscope is approximately 60mm square with a 13mm diameter central aperture. Included with the stage is a pressure-type dual prong slide holder. To attach and fix a slide for observations, the entire assembly can be lifted up on dual vertical brass posts extending into sleeves below, the slide inserted and then the apparatus can be pressed down towards the stage to capture the slide. Also attached to the top of the stage is a small 28.5mm diameter bullseye lens (H) on a vertical post that is inserted into a receptacle found at the top corner of the stage. In this case, this relatively simple arrangement differs from that shown in Figure 789, which shows an articulating mount for the bullseye lens. Note: The articulating mount for the bullseye lens was not found with this particular microscope and so this alternative mounting is a more modern adaptation. Below the stage is a rotating disc of apertures that is used to control the amount of light delivered to the stage by a 35mm diameter substage plano-concave mirror (B). The mirror is yoke mounted on a brass stem that goes through the center of the lower end of the brass column (E) and can be adjusted in orientation by use of a control knob found on the back side of the pillar. This arrangement differs from that shown in Figure 789 as the manufacturer of the microscope often made minor changes to the design over time. Note: The plano-concave mirror with its yoke is not original to the microscope but is a more modern replacement added to substitute for the original mirror that was lost sometime in the past. When set up for observations and adjusted to the full vertical position, this microscope stands about 16 inches tall, making for a relatively large antique microscope. Note: Please see the accompanying image that provides a visual comparison of the size of the microscope compared to a standard bottle of wine. The microscope weighs about 4 pounds. There is no wood case or any of the other accessories shown in Figure 789 that accompany this particular microscope. STATEMENT OF CONDITION: NOTE: The accompanying images are a part of this statement of condition. Please take the time to view all of the images so you can confirm the condition of the microscope and so you will know exactly what you will be getting should you prove to be the proud new owner of this fine Ross Compound Achromatic Microscope No. 2. In summary, this microscope is in very good to excellent cosmetic, mechanical and optical condition, but with the following caveats: Cosmetically, the lacquered brass parts of this microscope are in excellent condition with no evidence of any age tarnish (see images). I would estimate original lacquer retention at better than 95%. On the other hand, the green painted metal base shows some rust and tarnish due to age. The only treatment that we gave this microscope upon receipt was to use Windex to remove dirt and grime followed by a coating of Renaissance wax to protect the brass and other metal parts from future tarnish or rust. We also took the time to clean the lenses in the eyepiece of dust. Mechanically, the coarse focus mechanism on this microscope works very smoothly and the horizontal rackwork is in excellent condition (See close-up image of the rackwork). Also, the disc of apertures below the stage rotates freely. Optically, the eyepiece that accompanies the microscope is in very good optical condition with no internal defects. The same can be said for the plano-concave mirror and the bullseye lens. As is noted above, the mirror is a more modern replacement and the mount for the bullseye lens is also a modern adaptation for the articulating mount that was missing from the instrument as it came to us. Also, the microscope does not have any button-type objective lenses that would normally be found with the instrument. This should not be a major issue as the microscope will most likely be placed on display in a collection and will not be used on a day-to-day basis to observe prepared slides, etc. However, should the new owner of this instrument wish to do so, antique button-type objective lenses can sometimes be found on the used market and so can be added to the microscope at a later date for the sake of completeness. Also missing from the microscope are some of the additional accessories as pictured in Figure 789 from the Pike catalogue along with a wood case that would normally house the instrument when not in use. All in all, this example of Benjamin Pike, Jr's Ross Compound Achromatic Microscope No. 2 will make a very fine and handsome addition to any antique microscope collection, especially one with an emphasis on instruments offered by early American opticians. BENJAMIN PIKE & SONS OPTICIANS BRIEF HISTORY: Benjamin Pike, Senior (March 1777 - May 2, 1863) was born in London, England in March of 1777 (exact day is unclear). Little biographical or educational information exists regarding his early years. But, it is thought that he received early training in the optical trade. At the relatively young age of 21, Pike immigrated to the United States and settled in New York City. By the year 1806, Pike established himself as an optician and manufacturer of mathematical and philosophical instruments - a term that was coined in the eighteenth century for scientific instruments used primarily for academic or instructional purposes. His youthful enthusiasm and technical precision impressed colleagues and customers alike. His business was initially located at 147 Pearl Street, then at 12 Wall Street and finally at 166 Broadway by the year 1830. After a few years living in New York City, Pike married and became the parent of three sons, namely, Benjamin, Jr. (1809- May 7, 1864), Daniel, (August 16, 1815-April 16, 1893), and Gardiner (1825-April 13, 1893). All three of his sons ultimately became involved in the family optical business and all became successful opticians in their own right. In the year 1839 at the age of 22, Benjamin Pike, Jr., became a partner in his father's business originally located at 166 Broadway and so the business was renamed Benjamin Pike & Son. A decade later, Daniel joined his father and brother, necessitating a slight name change to Benjamin Pike & Sons. However, the name reverted to 'Benjamin Pike & Son' in 1843 when the ambitious Benjamin Pike, Jr. opened his own optical equipment business at 294 Broadway in NYC just down the street from his father's retail store. In 1848 and again in 1856, Benjamin Pike, Jr. published "Pike's Illustrated Descriptive Catalogue of Optical, Mathematical, and Philosophical Instruments," an encyclopedic two-volume tome of more than 700 pages and 750 illustrations that is regarded as the most comprehensive collection of American scientific instruments and European imports of the mid-nineteenth century. Far more than a mere product/price listing, Pike Jr.'s catalogues provided detailed descriptions as well as helpful usage instructions for each item. It is understood that Pike both manufactured and imported a variety of scientific and engineering instruments. However, microscopes which bear the early names and addresses of Pike's business appear to be European imports that were signed with his business name - an early example of private label merchandising. Other products featured in his catalogues included a classic daguerreotype camera, a portable camera obscura, a camera lucida for the draftsman, a vast inventory of magic lanterns, and a lucernal microscope that could project transparent objects onto a screen or white wall. This latter instrument was billed as superior to the then popular solar microscope because of its simpler construction, ease of portability, and the fact that it could also be used at night. Benjamin Pike Jr's 1856 catalogue featured just five (5) microscope models: A basic drum microscope for students, a Ross Compound Achromatic Microscope No. 1 (A simplified version of the No. 2 that follows), a Ross Compound Achromatic Microscope No. 2, a Ross Compound Achromatic Microscope No. 3 (Same as No. 2 but with the addition of higher power objectives) and Nachet's Achromatic Microscope, a more elaborate and sophisticated drum microscope made by the French firm of Nachet et Fils. In his later years, Pike added several other model microscopes to his inventory including instruments made by R & J Beck from England. By 1850, Benjamin, Senior's youngest son Gardiner joined the family business, which again began trading as Benjamin Pike & Sons and located at 518 Broadway. By the mid-1850s, the two Pike firms were the leading optical business retailers in New York City, boasting a clientele that extended well beyond the USA to Europe and elsewhere. Benjamin Pike, Jr. won a silver medal in the category of "best set of surveyors' instruments" at an exhibition held by the New York State Agricultural Society in 1854. Four years later, the prosperous Benjamin Pike, Jr. built a lavish estate for his family that later became known as the Steinway Mansion, later owned by the New York area Steinway family of piano makers. Meanwhile, Benjamin Pike, Sr. spent his last years in comfortable retirement at his Queens New York farm. He died on May 2, 1863 at the age of 86. Sadly, Benjamin Pike, Jr. died a year later on May 7, 1864. By 1867, the Senior Pike's company name was changed for the final time, to Benjamin Pike's Son, operated by Daniel Pike and his partner Joseph Robinson. Nephew Arthur M. Pike (c. 1853-1893) joined the firm, which by 1878 was located at 930 Broadway. It became a two-man family operation once more when Joseph Robinson retired in 1882. In later years, the business focused primarily upon innovative microscopes and accessories before closing its doors in 1916 thereby ending a family owned optical business that lasted for over a century. PURCHASE: THE MONTANA LOGGER is very pleased to offer this antique brass Ross Compound Achromatic Microscope No. 2 by Benjamin Pike, Jr. for a very reasonable Buy It Now cost. We will also entertain reasonable offers for this relatively rare antique brass microscope. NOTE: WE WARMLY WELCOME INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS / BUYERS. WE SHIP WORLDWIDE. PAYMENT: Payment is due within 3 days of purchase. Prompt payment is always very much appreciated. Payment Back to Top I accept the following forms of payment: PayPal Shipping & Handling Back to Top US Shipping$35.00 FedEx Ground® $35.00 FedEx Home Delivery® International Shipping$102.60 USPS Priority Mail International (Worldwide) $89.10 USPS Priority Mail International (Canada) FREE scheduling, supersized images and templates. Get Vendio Sales Manager.Make your listings stand out with FREE Vendio custom templates! FREE scheduling, supersized images and templates. Get Vendio Sales Manager. Over 100,000,000 served. Get FREE counters from Vendio today!

Price: 849 USD

Location: Hamilton, Montana

End Time: 2024-11-01T19:39:51.000Z

Shipping Cost: 35 USD