A lovely late 19th-century brass drum microscope, complete with its fitted wooden carrying case and in good working order. The microscope stands approximately 15 cm (5.9 in) tall and has a telescopic draw tube, internal specimen stage and adjustable illumination mirror accessed through the side opening.

The case retains a particularly nice original trade label for J. & W. E. Archbutt, Electricians, 8 Bridge Street, Westminster – Facing the Houses of Parliament. The exact 8 Bridge Street address appears in an 1877 contemporary trade reference, while surviving records place the J. & W. E. Archbutt partnership in the latter part of the 19th century, making a date of approximately c.1870s–1890s appropriate.

The lacquered brass has developed considerable spotting, tarnish and surface wear from age, giving it an attractive untouched appearance. The wooden case similarly shows expected knocks, marks and wear. The optical mechanism has been tested and is in good working order.

A very decorative piece of Victorian scientific apparatus as well as a functional antique microscope, particularly appealing displayed alongside other optical, medical or scientific instruments.