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MICROSCOPE-ANTIQUES.COM     © 2013-16.




PORTABLE COMPOUND MICROSCOPE

MODEL:UKM (Universalkleinmikroskop)

FROM: AUSTRIA

MAKER: MERKER

c. 3rd Qtr 20th C. (1950s)

DESCRIPTION HISTORY
 Merker UKM Microscope  Merker UKM Microscope  Merker UKM MicroscopeCLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE FOR A LARGER VERSION
 Merker UKM Microscope  Merker UKM Microscope
 Merker UKM Microscope  Merker UKM Microscope

DESCRIPTION:

magsmagsThe range of magnification is 20-50X with the single lens, and 100-200X with the extra swing in lens in place. The upper draw tube is labeled in red with 100 on the upper end and 200 on the lower end on one side of the tube, and in black, 20 on the upper end and 50 on the lower end 180 degrees from the other labels. The lower tube is used to focus. It can be pushed in or pulled out, registering against a sprung bearing. The tube has a spiral groove to allow finer adjustment against the bearing which is held in place by a piece of spring steel screwed into the rear of the sleeve. There are four tiny screws on the front of of the sleeve to adjust the play in the optical tube. The substage mirror sits in a cradle. It swings up and forward, or down and backward, controlled by lever on the side of the stage. The base is about 70 mm (2 3/4 inches) in diameter. The instrument stands about 10 inches(254 mm) high in working position. It is about half that length when fully collapsed (123 mm, 4.8 inches). In order to collapse it fully, the mirror must be rotated back against the rear of the instrument. There is a threaded hole in the foot, presumably to attach it to a tripod or similar device.



HISTORY OF THIS MICROSCOPE

Ludwig Merker made good quality microscopes in Vienna starting in 1886. The company continued into the 20th century and this model was made in the 1950's and apparently through the 1970's. It was even referenced in the second edition of Das Lichtmikroskop from 1985. Over the years it was produced in different finishes, the last and final version in a tan finish. Besides the bumpy black finish you see in my example, and the last (tan) example, it was also produced in a crinkle black finish. It is very common on the second hand market today.

I am indebted to Timo Mappes for some of the historical information about this microscope and the firm of Merker.