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R. & J. BECK MICROSCOPE-case
YEAR: c. 1886
SIGNED: R. & J. BECK, LONDON & PHILADELPHIA
and also WALMSLEY & Co, PHILADELPHIA, SOLE AMERICAN AGENTS
SERIAL NUMBER: 15430
MODEL: ECONOMIC
This case is in excellent condition with the usual cracks in the back panel. These occur because of a design flaw in construction. The wide back panel is fastened to the back via screws which do not permit expansion and contraction with changes in weather, especially humidity; this expansion occurs to a greater extent accross the grain than with the grain and the rest of the case (except the door, which is only fastened on one side), is oriented with the grain. Such a wide piece of wood will always crack under this circumstance. Only with very expensive cases did the makers take the trouble to prevent this with a frame and panel construction.