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SIMPLE MICROSCOPE

MAKER: MADE IN FRANCE FOR LABAN HEATH(USA)

c. 19TH CENTURY circa 1870

DESCRIPTION HISTORY
 Microscope  Microscope
Microscope  Microscope
 Microscope Microscope

DESCRIPTION:
The lens housing of this focusing magnifier screws on to a cutout base with three supports or 'legs' attached to a bottom knurled ring. Screwing it up or down achieves focus. It is embossed on one of the three legs 'LABAN HEATH' and on another, 'DÉPOSÉ No 6082' and on the third with 'PATENT MAY 1, 1866'. In reality the actual patent date is May 8, 1866.



HISTORY OF THIS MICROSCOPE
MagThis instrument was sold as part of the combined microscope and telescope that Laban Heath patented in 1866. It is shown in his book 'Heath's Infallible Counterfeit Detector at Sight, By AUTHORITY from the United States Treasury Department, Banking and Counting Edition of 1865-7, referred to in 'Section Eleventh', and shown in the back portion of the book as figure 3. There he states it forms part of the combination instrument or could be purchased separately.

Although Laban Heath's later folding 'Improved Adjustible Compound Microscope', patented in 1877. sometimes called his 'Counterfeit detector' is not uncommon, this other version of a magnifier is earlier and rather rare, as is his combined microscope, telescope, and magnifier.