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R & J Beck No. 1 Stand
[Microscope Photographs and Discription by Tom Grill. Tomgrillphotography.com]
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20014
An R & J Beck No. 1 Binocular Microscope:
London 1897. A very imposing Number 1 Wenham binocular stand, signed, “R & J Beck Ltd, London, 21118” on the base -- the serial number dating it to circa 1897 (1). The microscope stands 18” tall when racked down to its minimum focal length, and weighs just over 15 pounds. Coarse focus is by rack and pinion of the main optical tube, and fine focus, with an indicator micrometer knob located on the rear of the limb. Eyepiece width is rack and pinion adjustable. The circular mechanical stage rotates with a knob located beneath. It also has full lateral movement controls (X & Y) and micrometer indicator markings on the rim. The substage condenser is an optical type with variable iris diaphragm in addition to two wheels of stops. The wheels turn independently of each other and allow the center stops of one to be located over the stop openings of the other. The four stops of the second wheel are the same size. One stop is completely open, and the other three have neutral density filters of varying intensity -- all in all, a very sophisticated condenser with two centering thumb screws. The plano-concave mirror is excellent on both sides. The microscope comes with two pairs of binocular eyepieces and three original R & J Beck objectives in signed brass canisters. The objectives include a 1 ½” marked as a 23 degree, a 2/3” marked as 32 degree, and a 1/5” correction collar marked as 120 degree. All RMS threading. The optical system is exceptionally fine, producing crisp images of very good color and contrast with a surprising flatness of field in the lower powers. Accessories include a camera lucida eyepiece, stage forceps, stage condenser lens, live box, large brass tweezers, a brass mounted micrometer slide, glass specimen tray, a small mahogany cover slip box, and a spanner wrench for tightening the limb to the stand. All are contained in their own mahogany accessory box, which fits into the main case. A separate monocular extension tube and a free standing bullseye condenser complete the accessory list. The accessories and case are all in excellent condition, showing very little use. The microscope is finished in lacquered brass with complete coverage in excellent condition, and showing only minor wear. The microscope and accessory case are contained in their original, large, hand dove-tailed mahogany case with brass carry handle, lock but no key. The case has an impressive brass shield on the door with initials “EB”, perhaps the first owner. This is a very complete, full working model of an historically important stand from one of London’s premier instrument makers. It is substantially impressive to display, very attention gathering, and is rarely found in such exceptionally fine condition.
Historical Origins of R & J Beck:
The historical origins of R & J Beck (6) can be traced back to scientific instrument maker James "3" Smith in 1839. James "3" Smith (w 1826-1847) was assigned to manufacture an improved microscope for Joseph Lister, while working as an employee of William Tulley. Joseph Lister was an optician and physicist who experimented with achromatic lenses and perfected an arrangement for use as an optical microscope. It was this collaboration of the two which led to the design and build of their first microscope. James "3" Smith then opened his own optical workshop, and began producing microscopes on his own at 50 Ironmongers Row, London.
In 1843, Joseph Lister then arranged for his nephew, Richard Beck (1827-1866) to begin an apprenticeship with James Smith in the new workshop.
In 1847, James Smith entered into a partnership with Richard Beck, and the company was named Smith & Beck and was located at 6 Coleman Street, London.
In 1851 the pair employed Joseph Beck (1828-1891), Richard Beck’s brother, who was eventually made a partner in 1857, and the firm was then re-named Smith Beck & Beck, at the same location on 6 Coleman Street, London.
In 1865, James Smith retired from the firm, and the company changed its name to R & J Beck and moved its operations to 31 Cornhill, London.
In 1895, the company became a limited partnership; i.e. R & J Beck, Ltd. Condition: Exceptionally Fine. The microscope is in full working order with full, original lacquer coverage. The accessories are in extra fine condition and appear original to the set. The microscope is an absolute joy to use, and provides an experience of the fairly advanced technology that was available to the Victorian microscopist. Bibliography: 1. Gill, Steve; Ward, Alan; Bracegirdle, Brian: The Quekett Microscopical Club. Please see: [quekett.org/resources/littleimp]. "The Production Books of R & J Beck, 1867-1898."
2. Turner, Gerard L’E (1989) The Great Age of The Microscope; (The collection of the Royal Microscopical Society through 150 years) ISBN [0-85274-020-4] p. 171.
3. Turner, Gerard L’E (1981) Collecting Microscopes ISBN [0-8317-5950 x] p. 105-109.
4. Henderson, J.E.; et. al. (1987) The Billings Microscope Collection 2nd Ed., p. 141.
5. Clifton, Gloria (1995) Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851, ISBN [0-302-00634 6]; p. 24. 6. Shephard, M. (2003) Quekett Journal of Microscopy 39. 577-594. "The Beck Microscope Family."
In 1843, Joseph Lister then arranged for his nephew, Richard Beck (1827-1866) to begin an apprenticeship with James Smith in the new workshop.
In 1847, James Smith entered into a partnership with Richard Beck, and the company was named Smith & Beck and was located at 6 Coleman Street, London.
In 1851 the pair employed Joseph Beck (1828-1891), Richard Beck’s brother, who was eventually made a partner in 1857, and the firm was then re-named Smith Beck & Beck, at the same location on 6 Coleman Street, London.
In 1865, James Smith retired from the firm, and the company changed its name to R & J Beck and moved its operations to 31 Cornhill, London.
In 1895, the company became a limited partnership; i.e. R & J Beck, Ltd. Condition: Exceptionally Fine. The microscope is in full working order with full, original lacquer coverage. The accessories are in extra fine condition and appear original to the set. The microscope is an absolute joy to use, and provides an experience of the fairly advanced technology that was available to the Victorian microscopist. Bibliography: 1. Gill, Steve; Ward, Alan; Bracegirdle, Brian: The Quekett Microscopical Club. Please see: [quekett.org/resources/littleimp]. "The Production Books of R & J Beck, 1867-1898."
2. Turner, Gerard L’E (1989) The Great Age of The Microscope; (The collection of the Royal Microscopical Society through 150 years) ISBN [0-85274-020-4] p. 171.
3. Turner, Gerard L’E (1981) Collecting Microscopes ISBN [0-8317-5950 x] p. 105-109.
4. Henderson, J.E.; et. al. (1987) The Billings Microscope Collection 2nd Ed., p. 141.
5. Clifton, Gloria (1995) Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851, ISBN [0-302-00634 6]; p. 24. 6. Shephard, M. (2003) Quekett Journal of Microscopy 39. 577-594. "The Beck Microscope Family."
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