A Carl Zeiss Model W Compound Binocular Phase Microscope, mid 20th century. 13 inches high (33.0 cm) (base). ...

Description

A Carl Zeiss Model W Compound Binocular Phase Microscope, mid 20th century
13 inches high (33.0 cm) (base)

PRIVATE WEST COAST COLLECTION

The microscope in fitted mahogany case, binocular head with focusing mount on left eye-piece, interocular distance adjustable "55-75"mm as indicated on circular scale. Optavar magnifier: "1.6, 2.5, PH"; "CARL ZEISS Nr 211422 Germany"; flip-in/out Bertrand lens; focusing ring to eliminate phase telescope. Quad nosepiece; 5 cm plano/concave mirror; rectangular stage is fully rotatable with x-y mechanical adjustment graduated to 0.1 mm with verniers on both axes. Bayonet mounted phase condenser, "ZEISS OPTON Kondensor 1.25 Nr 206862 Germany", with 3 darkfield stops, iris diaphragm, optical axis slides to effect oblique illumination. Objectives: "Plan 6,3/0.16 160/~CARL ZEISS 4160727 Germany" Orange stripe. "Plan 16/0.32 160/0.17 CARL ZEISS 30141 Germany" [no stripe] "Ph3 Neofluar 100/1,30 Oel ZEISS WINKEL 202539 160/~" White stripe. "Ph2 Neofluar 40/0,75 ZEISS WINKEL 282891 160/0,17" Cream stripe. "Ph2 Neofluar 16/0,40 ZEISS WINKEL 238189 160/0,17" Green stripe. Eyepieces: 3 "K 8 x ZEISS OPTON", one focusing with scale on the reticule 0 - 80; "ZEISS WINKEL KPl 16 X"; "ZEISS WINKEL 6,3 X" focusing 10 - 8. Monocular tube; elaborate base mounted illuminator with calibrated diaphragm control and auxillary lens. Separate lamp power supply, 18 cm x 11 cm x 7 cm black metal case with 0 -6 amp meter and rheostat control; "CARL ZEISS METZ"; with US iron/toaster line cord. Rheostat may be intermittant. Illumination system was not tested. Bottle of "ZEISS WINKEL" and "CARL ZEISS Immersionsöl", both almost full.
Photo accessories (not in the case) that mount on monocular: "ZEISS WINKEL 174020" mounting assembly holds photo diode and focusing eyepiece, 6.5cm x 10 cm sheet film camera with cable release activated shutter (not marked ZEISS), circular groundglass adapter. Photo diode output read on a large electronic microammeter signed, "CARL ZEISS FRABA" (not tested). Three 42 page pamphlets completely describing the microscope and accessories, 1953/54. One in German with price list. Winkel-Zeiss pamphlet describing the photo accessories. All in a beautiful fitted mahogony case with original key. A few scratches on the box but everything else in factory new condition. Ca 1950. "Opton" renamed "Carl Zeiss" in 1954. Said to be the finest made Zeiss stand pre- or post-war.
From "Fifty Years Ago - The Zeiss Opton Model W Microscope" by R.H. Nuttall, Bulletin of the Scientific Instrument Society, No. 75 (Dec 2002), p. 29: "The model W microscope was a development of the separate Oberkochen-based Zeiss Opton company, which was renamed Carl Zeiss in 1954. Their new microscope, introduced in 1951, quickly disappeared following up the formal amalgamation of Carl Zeiss with Zeiss-Winkel. Production of the W model ceased in 1956." Additional photo equipment that allows binocular head to be left in place: similar camera with mounting fittings, "CARL ZEISS Nr 230817" and "ZEISS OPTON Nr 226771 Germany."

Also included with the lot is an article on the Zeiss Model W and Micro Miscellanea Newsletter with associated article.

*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.