Polarizing Microscopes

click images for more information
 


polarizing microscope, R. Fuess, Steglitz, Berlin

R. Fuess, Steglitz, Berlin

Nikitin-type polarizing microscope (lacquered brass with black enamel finish on the tube and black horseshoe base and arm); this type of instrument was specifically designated to accommodate a universal stage.
Focus by rack-and-pinion mechanism. Circular rotating stage (diameter 9.6 cm) with 360-degree scale and vernier. The analyzer (Nicol prism) is fitted on a sliding shoe into the lower part of the body tube and the focusable Bertrand lens into the upper part. Height 38.5 cm. This instrument misses the polarizer.
Signed "R. Fuess | Steglitz – Berlin | N° 2027", first half 20th century?
 
 

polarizing microscope, Ernst Leitz, Wetzlar

Ernst Leitz, Wetzlar

Polarizing microscope (lacquered brass) with black enameled iron limb and horseshoe base. Focus by rack and pinion. Circular rotating stage with 360-degree scale and vernier scale allowing measurements to 0.1°. Ahrens prism polarizer condenser and an Ahrens prism analyzer. The polarizer assembly can slide in and out of the optical path on a dovetail. The analyzer (Nicol prism) is fitted on a sliding shoe into the lower part of the body tube and the Bertrand lens into the upper part. Window slot at the lower end of the nosepiece for wave plates.
Height 32 cm, in original wooden case with worling lock and key
Signed on the body tube "Ernst Leitz | Wetzlar | 111952", made around 1908. delivered by D.B Kagenaar S , Instrumentenfabriek Begijnekade 19 Utrecht.

 
 

polarizing microscope, Ernst Leitz, Wetzlar

Ernst Leitz, Wetzlar

Polarizing microscope (lacquered brass) with black enameled iron limb and horseshoe base. Focus by rack and pinion. Circular rotating stage (diameter 10 cm) with 360-degree scale. Polarizer (Nicol prism) with swing out condenser lens. The analyzer (Nicol prism) is fitted on a sliding shoe into the lower part of the body tube and the Bertrand lens into the upper part. Height 32 cm.
Signed on the body tube "Ernst Leitz | Wetzlar | 113993" (1909).
 
 

polarizing microscope, Ernst Leitz, Wetzlar

Ernst Leitz, Wetzlar

Polarizing microscope (lacquered brass) with black enameled brass limb and horseshoe base, in fitted mahogany case with accessories and key.
Main focus by rack and pinion and fine focusing knob (1/100 mm) on the limb. Circular rotating stage with 360-degree scale. Polarizer (Nicol prism) with adjustable diaphragm and swing out condenser lens. The analyzer (Nicol prism) is fitted on a sliding shoe into the lower part of the body tube and the focusable Bertrand lens with adjustable diaphragm into the upper part. 3 objectives in interchangeable centering collars. 5 oculars numbered 1-4 and one unnumbered. 3 compensator plates; , Glimmer 1/4 λ, Gips Rot I Ord and Quarzkeil  1-4 Ord. Height 31 cm.
Signed on the body tube "Ernst Leitz | Wetzlar", and serial number "163333", made around 1915, delivered by D.B Kagenaar S , Instrumentenfabriek  Begijnekade 19 Utrecht.
 
 

polarizing microscope, Ernst Leitz, Wetzlar

Ernst Leitz, Wetzlar

Polarizing microscope (nickel plated brass) with black enameled iron limb and horseshoe base, in fitted oak case with name ( J.V.D. BORDEN) and with accessories and key.
Circular rotating stage with 360-degree scale. Polarizer (Nicol prism) with adjustable diaphragm and condenser lens. The analyzer (Nicol prism) is fitted on a sliding shoe into the lower part of the body tube and the focusable Bertrand lens with adjustable diaphragm into the upper part. 3 objectives in interchangeable centering collars and 1 Reichert objective . 4 oculars numbered 1-4 and 2 compensator plates; , Glimmer 1/4 λ, Quarts I-3 and 2 compensator wedges Glimmer 1/4 λ, Gips Rot I . Height 31 cm.
Signed on the body tube serial number "231926", made around 1925.
 
 

polarizing microscope, Ernst Leitz, Wetzlar

Ernst Leitz, Wetzlar

Polarizing microscope (lacquered brass) with black enameled iron limb and horseshoe base, in fitted mahogany case with accessories.
Main focus by rack and pinion and fine focusing knob on the limb. Circular rotating stage with 360-degree scale. Polarizer (Nicol prism) with swing out condenser lens. The analyzer (Nicol prism) is fitted on a sliding shoe into the lower part of the body tube. Objectives in interchangeable centering collars. Height 31 cm.
Signed on the body tube "Ernst Leitz | Wetzlar", and serial number "238821", made 1925, delivered 1926. A label on the cover of the box reads "A. GALLENKAMP & Co. LTD. | 19 & 21 | SUN STREET | FINSBURY | LONDON, E.C.
 
 

polarizing microscope, Ernst Leitz, Wetzlar

Ernst Leitz, Wetzlar

Polarizing microscope (lacquered brass) with nickel and black enameled brass limb and tube and iron cast horseshoe base, in fitted mahogany case with accessories and key.
Main focus by rack and pinion and fine focusing knob on the limb. Circular rotating stage (14 cm diameter) with 360-degree scale and vernier. Polarizer with adjustable diaphragm and swing out condenser lens. Analyzer fitted on a sliding shoe into the lower part of the body tube.
Signed on the body tube "Ernst Leitz | Wetzlar", and serial number "359331"; made in 1941. On the upper part of the limb stamped Ernst Leitz Wetzlar logo and letters “DRP”. Inventory number 35999 (written with white paint on the base). Made in 1941.
 
 

polarizing microscope, Nachet et Fils, Paris

Nachet et Fils, Paris

Polarizing microscope (lacquered brass) in fitted mahogany case with accessories. The unconventional design was introduced c. 1880 by the Parisian microscope manufacturer and collector Jean-Alfred Nachet (Alfred) as a response to “those microscopes that require the centration of the objective by means of two buttons…”. Harry Rosenbusch’s design did indeed require the centration of the objective to the axis of stage rotation. Nachet eliminated this necessity by coupling the objective and the stage.
Ernest Mallard described the present stand in 1884 as belonging to ‘Nachet’s old model’. It is one of the very first examples of its kind, made between 1878 and 1881.
The signature on the base reads: “NACHET ET FILS | 17, rue St. Séverin | Paris”. Height: 39 cm.
 
 

polarizing microscope, Nachet, Paris

Nachet, Paris

Polarizing microscope (lacquered brass) in fitted mahogany case with oculars and objectives. Main focus by rack and pinion and fine focus by thumbwheel. Circular rotating stage with 360-degree scale and x-y table. The hinged analyzer (Nicol prism) swings into a slot in the body tube.
The mechanical coupling of objective and stage eliminates the necessity for optical centering.
Height 41 cm
Signed on the backpiece: "Nachet à Paris" and marked: "G.P." "53"
Ca. 1910
 
 

polarizing microscope, C. Reichert, Wien

C. Reichert, Wien

Polarizing microscope (lacquered brass) with black enameled iron horseshoe base in mahogany case with accessories.
Main focus by rack and pinion and fine focus by thumbwheel micrometer. Circular rotating stage with 360-degree scale. Polarizer (Nicol prism) with swing out condenser lens. The analyzer (Nicol prism) is fitted on a sliding shoe into the lower part of the body tube. Interchangeable objectives. Height 36 cm.
Signed on the backpiece "C. REICHERT WIEN", and serial number "40250", made winter 1909-1910.
 
 

polarizing microscope, C. Reichert, Wien

C. Reichert, Wien

Polarizing microscope (lacquered brass) with black enameled iron horseshoe base in mahogany case with accessories.
Main focus by rack and pinion and fine focus by thumbwheel micrometer. Circular rotating stage with 360-degree scale. Polarizer (Nicol prism) with swing out condenser lens. The analyzer (Nicol prism) is fitted on a sliding shoe into the lower part of the body tube. Interchangeable objectives. 2 compensator plates; Quarter Wave Plate Glimmer ( muscovite) 1/4 λ, Gips I-order. Height 36 cm. 
Signed on the backpiece "C. REICHERT WIEN", and serial number "66881", made  1922.
 
 

polarizing microscope, Seibert, Wetzlar

Seibert, Wetzlar

Polarizing microscope (lacquered brass) with horseshoe base (black enameled iron) in mahogany case with accessories.
Rough adjustment through a sliding tube and a rear column fine focus. Nicol prism with condenser lens. The analyzer may be mounted on top of the ocular. Height 34 cm.
Signed on the tube "SEIBERT", box numbered "7441", ca. 1895.
 
 

polarizing microscope, Seibert, Wetzlar

Seibert, Wetzlar

Polarizing microscope (lacquered brass) with horseshoe base. Rough adjustment through a sliding tube and a rear column fine focus. Circular rotating stage (diameter: 9.5 cm). Nicol prism with condenser lens. The analyzer (Nicol prism) is fitted on a sliding shoe into the lower part of the body tube; adjustable Bertrand lens into the upper part. Height 35 cm.
Signed on the tube "SEIBERT". Dated: 1900.
 
 

polarizing microscope, Seibert, Wetzlar

Seibert, Wetzlar

Polarizing microscope (lacquered brass) with black enameled iron horseshoe base in mahogany case with accessories. Main focus by rack and pinion and fine focussing knob on the limb. Circular rotating stage with 360-degree scale. Polarizer (Nicol prism) with a swing out replaceable condenser lens. The analyzer (Nicol prism) is fitted on a sliding shoe into the lower part of the body tube. Interchangeable objectives and eyepieces. Height 36 cm. The polarization microscope can also be converted into a microscope with dark field equipment. Signed on the cover plate on the back of the tripot "SEIBERT WETZLAR", and serial number "16604", made around 1925.
 
 

polarizing microscope, J. Swift & Son, London

J. Swift & Son, London

Polarizing microscope (lacquered brass) with black lacquered brass limb and base in fitted mahogany case with accessories. Main focus by rack and pinion and fine focus by thumbwheel micrometer on the limb. Circular rotating stage with 360-degree scale. 2 objectives and 3 oculars, a flat and concave mirror, Abbe illuminator with extra lenses and two condensers with Nicol prims polarizer. The analyzer (Nicol prism) is fitted on a sliding shoe into the lower part of the body tube. Bertrand lens in the body tube. Slits for compensator plates; mica, gypsum, quartz. Double nosepiece. Height max. 40 cm.
Signed on the base "J. SWIFT & SON LONDON", with serial number "11667" on the bottom of the base. ca. 1903-1904.
 
 

polarizing microscope, J. Swift & Son, London

J. Swift & Son, London

Polarizing microscope (lacquered brass) with black lacquered brass limb and black enameled iron horseshoe base in fitted mahogany case with accessories.
Main focus by rack and pinion and fine focus by thumbwheel micrometer. Circular rotating stage with 360-degree scale. Swing out polarizer (Nicol prism). The analyzer (Nicol prism) is fitted on a sliding shoe into the lower part of the body tube. Double nosepiece. Height 36 cm.
Signed on the backpiece "J. SWIFT & SON | LONDON", and serial number "17067" that also figures on the cover of the case, early 20th century.
 
 

polarizing microscope, J. Swift & Son, London

J. Swift & Son, London

Polarizing microscope (lacquered brass) with black lacquered brass limb and body tube and black enameled iron horseshoe base in fitted mahogany case with accessories.
Main focus by rack and pinion and fine focus by thumbwheel micrometer. Circular rotating stage with 360-degree scale. Swing out polarizer (Nicol prism) and condenser lens. The analyzer (Nicol prism) is fitted on a sliding shoe into the lower part of the body tube. Double nosepiece. Height 35 cm.
Signed on the limb "J. SWIFT & SON | LONDON", and serial number "17726", early 20th century. The instrument was originally made to be used on the Geological Survey of Great Britain.
 
 

polarizing microscope, J. Swift & Son, London

J. Swift & Son, London

Polarizing microscope (lacquered brass) with black lacquered brass limb and black enameled iron base in fitted mahogany case with accessories.
Main focus by rack and pinion and fine focus by thumbwheel micrometer. Circular rotating stage with 360-degree scale. Swing out polarizer (Nicol prism). The analyzer (Nicol prism) is fitted on a sliding shoe into the lower part of the body tube. Height 32 cm.
Signed on the base "J. SWIFT & SON | LONDON", with serial number "12413" on the bottom of the base. The cover of the case is signed "UNIVERSITY | OF | LONDON". ca. 1906-1907.
 
 

polarizing microscope, Voigt and Hochgesang, Göttingen

Voigt and Hochgesang, Göttingen

Polarizing microscope (lacquered brass) with a distinctive triangular cross section arm. Focus by rack and pinion. Circular rotating stage (diameter 8.6 cm) with 360-degree scale and vernier. Polarizer (Nicol prism) with condenser lens. The rotating analyzer is mounted on the upper part of the body tube. Height 30 cm.
Signed on the body tube "Voigt & Hochgesang | Göttingen | N° 580". Dated: 1878.
 
 

polarizing microscope, Voigt and Hochgesang, Göttingen

Voigt and Hochgesang, Göttingen

Polarizing microscope (lacquered brass) with a distinctive triangular cross section arm. Main focus by rack and pinion and fine focus by thumbwheel micrometer. Circular rotating stage (diameter 8.9 cm) with 360-degree scale and vernier. Polarizer (Nicol prism) with condenser lens. The rotating analyzer is mounted on the upper part of the body tube. Height 36 cm.
Signed on the base "Voigt & Hochgesang | Göttingen". Dated: 1880.
 
 

polarizing microscope, Watson Bros. 4 Pall Mall, London

Watson Bros. 4 Pall Mall, London

Polarizing microscope (lacquered brass) with original accessories in fitted mahogany case. The main frame is of the common "Lister limb" design which has been adapted for petrological use. There is a graduated rotating polarizer carried on a swing out carrier. The standard ocular for no-polarized work is replaced by a rotating analyzer also with a graduated scale.  Quartz and ¼ wave plates are mounted in brass and fit the slot in the main tube. Also supplied with a small lens to fit over the condenser and a disc of calc-spar to fit over the analyzers for stauroscopic use.
Signed on foot "Watson Bros. 4 Pall Mall, London, 5159", ca. 1885
 
 

polarizing microscope, W. Watson & Sons, London

W. Watson & Sons, London

Polarizing microscope (lacquered brass) with black lacquered body tube, black enameled iron limb and horseshoe base, in fitted mahogany case with accessories.
Main focus by rack and pinion and fine focusing knob on the limb. Circular rotating stage with 360-degree scale. Swing out polarizer (Nicol prism). The analyzer (Nicol prism) is fitted on a sliding shoe into the lower part of the body tube. Height 32 cm.
Signed on the body tube "W. Watson & Sons, Ltd | London", and serial number "40247", ca. 1928.
 
 

polarizing microscope, Carl Zeiss, Jena

Carl Zeiss, Jena

Polarizing microscope (lacquered brass) with horseshoe base (black enameled iron). Main focus by rack and pinion and fine focus by thumbwheel micrometer. Circular rotating stage (diameter 10 cm) with 360-degree scale. Polarizer (Nicol prism) and swing out condenser lens, under the stage. Height: 32 cm.
Signed on the tube "Carl Zeiss | Iena | N° 6929". Dated: 1884.