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A PRELIMINARY LISTING OF SERIAL NUMBERS FOR MICROSCOPES SIGNED BY MEYROWITZ, OR BOTH MEYROWITZ AND BULLOCH


This page is a preliminary listing of serial numbers of microscopes of the type made by Walter Bulloch, made by, sold by, or attributed to E.B. Meyrowitz of New York. This listing does not include non-Bulloch designs sold by Meyrowitz. This page was last updated January, 26, 2016. To this date, at least eight appear to be assembled and modified by Meyrowitz after Bulloch died. At least four stands have dual signatures which imply these stands were simply sold by Meyrowitz as Bulloch's New York agent, while he was still alive.

Note that dates of manufacture stated in the table are estimates, and as such, the dates are preceded by c. (circa). These estimates may not always be accurate, as some are extrapolations. It should be noted that Meyrowitz serial numbers do not relate to Bulloch's either by number or date. This is certainly true for Bulloch/Meyrowitz numbers 112, 117, and 201-211. As examples, numbers 112 and 117 cannot possibly be from Bulloch's early production as these are both the 'Histological' model which was not in existance in the 1870's, or possibly even the early 1880's, being first seen in the 1890 catalog#. The two microscopes both numbered 201, are another interesting discrepancy in that although the signatures are slightly different, they are both signed as 'Meyrowitz Maker'. These are Meyrowitz's own numbers. The microscopes, with serial numbers 201 (second), 204 and 211, were clearly made in the 1890's, because some of their features, such as a diagonal rack and spiral pinion focusing, are not usually found on American microscopes prior to the 1890's; furthermore, Bulloch first-class microscopes with higher numbers than these have straight racks and this would not be likely if they had been made later than the ones with lower serial numbers (like 201) with diagonal racks, a feature that is more advanced.

It is the Author's opinion that these modified microscopes (112, 117 and many, (but not all) with numbers 201 through about 211, and likely others), were assembled from standard Bulloch parts, (likely in stock at the time of Bulloch's death), and that the more modern additional features were the actual scratch-constructed parts. Some of these parts such as the Kohler-condenser fittings, much more modern and generic in appearance, were not made in the same style as the rest of Bulloch's work. See for instance the knobs on my number 201 to control the Kohler-type condenser assembly.

As of 1/26/16  there are about 50  instruments listed on the main Bulloch serial number page. Of those c. 50 instruments, there are two with serial number 201 both Meyrowitz products, and two with serial number 205, one of which is by Meyrowitz and the other one by Bulloch himself. This proves two things. First that Meyrowitz used their own numbering system, ignoring any that Bulloch may have numbered himself, and second, that the Meyrowitz numbers cannot be equated chronologically to the others (by Bulloch himself).

 

The listing here also contains corresponding information including the current location of the microscope, if known, and pictures and links, if available. It is obviously a work in progress, and I would appreciate additional entries. Anyone who contributes will get credit,or if desired, will remain anonymous. My goal is to try to create as complete a list as possible to allow for some additional research-please help if you can; send me an image or images if at all possible,  and let me know if you will allow me to post them on the site and how you wish to be credited.  If you cannot supply images, please at least let me know your model and serial number.  Contact me at: collector@microscope-antiques.com.   Some owners prefer to remain anonymous, whereas others would like something mentioned so please let me know which is you preference


#I should note there is a reference in the Oneida Microscope Society's meeting reported in the Am J of Microscopy and Popular Science, Volume 6, p 99, 1881 to Bulloch's Histological microscope, but this may be a typo as Zentmayer made a "Histological Model" much earlier which was often referred to, and his name is not mentioned in that. A Watson design, reported in Vol 8 of the English Mechanics and World of science was referred to as being based on 'Bulloch's Histological' but if one goes back further to the original report in the English Mechanics and World of Science Vol 37, 1883, the correct description refers to it being based on Bulloch's Biological, rather than the Histological. Furthermore, the engraving shows its substage based on the 'Biological' rather than the later Histological.


(?) Means this is uncertain, possibly due to image unavailability.

N/A means no satisfactory image is available, or if it is, the photographer will not allow its use on this site, or is unavailable to give permission.

Another short table reconciling all these stands is presented below.

Another web page devoted to the various signatures on Bulloch microscopes is available on this website.

A web page devoted to the History of Walter Bulloch's locations, occupations and successors is also available on this website.

A web page devoted to the evolution of the various Models of Bulloch microscopes is also available on this website.


Click on a picture to see more images and details, if available.
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE MODEL IMAGES REMARKS SOURCE or
LOCATION
104 c. 1880's-90 'Histological' Bulloch Histo Model Signed 'Bulloch Patent, E.B. Meyrowitz, New York, Pat'd 1880'. This stand is unusual in that it has a Meyrowitz signature but straight rack and pinion which may make it earlier than the other Meyrowitz-signed stands. Private Collection
112 c. 1891 HISTOLOGICAL bulloch histological Note the single swinging tailpiece which carries both the condenser assembly and the mirror, and the flat tripod foot. It is signed: 'BULLOCH'S PATENT, E. B. Meyrowitz, MAKER, NEW YORK, PAT'D 1880' although the '1880' looks to be crudely added, and would be incorrect on any account, as there is no Bulloch patent in 1880 for a microscope, as it was in 1879. Private Collection
117 c. 1891 HISTOLOGICAL bulloch 117 Note that this microscope has a single swinging tailpiece which carries both the condenser assembly and the mirror, and the asymmetrical flat tripod foot. The foot is signed 'Bulloch's Patent, E.B. Meyrowitz Maker, New York, Pat'D 1879'. This example has a glass-covered glide stage ('Sliding Object Carrier'), with single pressure point, but the slide carrier is missing. The word 'maker' associated with Meyrowitz's signature implies this stand was made after Bulloch's death, about 1891, but might also simply be a Meyrowitz claim tolerated by Bulloch at the time. Private Collection; sold at Christies auction in Los Angeles in October of 2001.
201 (earlier model) c 1891. BACTERIOLOGICAL
(BIOLOGICAL NO. 2)
N/A This instrument has a similar but NOT identical signature to the other number 201. It is signed: 'E. B. Meyrowitz, MAKER, NEW YORK, Bulloch's Patent, 1880' with the E. B. Meyrowitz in script. The number 201 is engraved on the edge of the same toe as the signature. The number includes a 'script' type of numeral instead of a block letter type of 2, as is found on the microscope which is the next entry. Private Collection
201 (later) c 1891 BACTERIOLOGICAL
(BIOLOGICAL NO. 2)
Bulloch Biological No. 2 Microscope Signed 'E.B. Meyrowitz Maker, New York, Bulloch's Patent, 1879. Note the words 'Bulloch's Patent, 1879' are stamped rather than engraved . Also note the third version of the Bulloch Mechanical stage with concentric horizontal controls projecting from the top of the stage. This stand also features the improved substage, designed specifically for the Biological No. 2, and noted for the first time in the Journal of the RMS, in 1884, Vol V4, part 1, sect2,page 279. The substage was later changed by Meyrowitz who added the rack and pinion offset to the iris. This is seen on other examples of the same microscope, as in serial number 211 listed below. More interesting is the use of spiral or diagonal rack and pinion coarse focusing, a feature invented by Swift after 1890. Note that there is another microscope with the serial number 201, also with Meyrowitz signature, though the signature is slightly different. Differences include the 'script' for the older 201, vs block numbers for the later version. Also the words 'Bulloch's Patent' appear to be stamped, as opposed to actually engraved, albeit in a similar font, on the older 201. In addition, the patent date on the older example is incorrectly listed as 1880, whereas the newer example has the correct date of 1879. This Collection
204 c 1891. 'BACTERIOLOGICAL'
(BIOLOGICAL NO. 2)
Bulloch biological No 204 Note the nickel-plated brass gliding slide carrier and an extra knob at the top of the optical tube which clamps the drawtube in position. This instrument has the same advanced substage and also has spiral (diagonal) rack and pinions for coarse focus and the substage focus as the late 201 above. Private Collection
205 (newer) c 1891. ?BACTERIOLOGICAL? (BIOLOGICAL NO. 2 ?) Bulloch No 205 Signed: 'E. B. Meyrowitz, maker, New York, Bulloch's patent 1879, no. 205' This microscope was part of Eli Buk's collection and sold at auction (lot #713) upon his death in 2013. This is one of the instruments sold by Meyrowitz after Bulloch's death and has the same serial number as one made by Bulloch himself, but was sold much later.
211 c 1891 BACTERIOLOGICAL
(BIOLOGICAL NO. 2)
For an almost identical microscope see number 201 above. This microscope is virtually identical to number 201, except the stage has been replaced by a pear-shaped platform and a Bausch & Lomb accessory stage. There is an associated eyepiece micrometer (maker unclear), and a vertical illuminator (not by Bulloch). The substage assembly, modified by 'Meyrowitz,' is exactly the same as in number 201. Another addition is a clamping lever at the trunnion joint to more securely fix the inclination at a chosen angle. Dittrick Museum of Medical History of Case-Western Reserve University(Cleveland, OH)
NONE c 1885 'NEW STUDENT' new student microscope This microscope has the earlier zig-zag tailpiece, and was featured in an ad as well as a book of 1885. This microscope has no serial number on it at all. This Collection
301 c 1891 or later 'PROFESSIONAL' (2 PILLAR) bulloch301 This microscope has the later straight tailpieces, and the third version of mechanical stage. The equiaxed foot has a circular plate but with calibrations. This is a monocular scope. Signed: 'Bulloch Patent, E.B. Meyrowitz, New York, Pat'd 1880' This microscope also has a diagonal rack and pinion, which means it is a later model, likely made after Bulloch's death. Another distinguishing feature of this particular microscope is the lack of the angular support plate from the limb to the stage. Private Collection
327 c 1885-1888 HISTOLOGICAL bulloch Histological 327 Note the Brass Gliding stage with single pressure point. Slide holder width 3 inches. Private Collection
406 c. 1885-1890 TRANSITIONAL STUDENT Bulloch Student There is only one flat and straight swinging tailpiece. Also note that the signature is on the top of the stage, and serial number is on the underside of the stage. This microscope was sold on Ebay, and the seller was kind enough to allow me to use his images here on my website; it now resides in the Brooks Collection.
447 c. 1885-1890 TRANSITIONAL STUDENT N/A This is apparently another example of the same microscope as number 406. This microscope was sold at auction on December 14, 1989 in Timonium, Maryland by Richard Opfer.
512 c. 1885-1890 BIOLOGICAL N/A This microscope bears both the Meyrowitz and Bulloch signatures Private collection
513 c. 1888-1890 STUDENT (TRANSITIONAL OR 3RD VERSION) bulloch 513 This microscope bears both the Meyrowitz and Bulloch signatures Private collection

 

RECONCILIATION OF MODELS AND SERIAL NUMBERS

This is a preliminary listing, derived from the above information, showing the serial numbers used for particular models of microscope with the Meyrowitz signature. (B)=Binocular Stand.

MODEL SERIAL NUMBERS TOTAL OF THIS MODEL
#Bacteriological
(Biological #2)
*201, *201(2nd), *204, *205, *211 5
Histological *104, *112, *117, 327, 4
Professional (large double pillar) 301, 1
'New Student' --- 1
Student (transitional) 406, 447, 513 3

*These stands are signed 'Meyerowitz Maker' and/or 'Bulloch('s)Patent' and the ones with diagonal rack and spiral pinion were likely made after Bulloch died in 1991. They do not relate chronologically to the others. Earlier ones sold by Meyrowitz apparently have straight rack and pinion (numbers 104, 339) but interestingly number 301 has diagonal rack and spiral pinion, further proof these numbers are not in chronological order.

#Please note that Meyrowitz renamed the 'Biological No. 2' the 'Bulloch Bacteriological' after changing to spiral rack and pinions and modifying the condenser fittings (see the Meyrowitz catalog introduction, and the Meyrowitz catalog entry for this model about this.