Victorian Brass Microscope

Made by R. & J. Beck, London1884United Kingdom

A lacquered-brass compound microscope by R. & J. Beck of London, complete with its mahogany case and three objectives. Instruments of this quality equipped the laboratories in which germ theory and cell biology were established. The serial number is recorded in the maker's surviving ledgers.

Provenance

1884

Manufactured by R. & J. Beck, London; ledger entry survives

confirmed

1902

Acquired by a German university laboratory

documented

1961

Deaccessioned; acquired by Meyer family

documented

2026

Digitally preserved in Relic

confirmed

Current Custodian

Meyer Family Collection

Bavaria, Germany

Request Research Access

Access Matrix

Digital viewingpublic
Additional photographsby request
Remote video inspectionavailable
Research visitowner approval
Temporary research loancase by_case
Museum exhibition loanavailable
Scientific samplingnot permitted
Commercial licensingcontact owner

Record Metadata

CategoryScientific Instruments

MaterialsLacquered brass, glass optics, mahogany case

Dimensions41 cm height (extended)

Serial No.21,487

ConditionExcellent; optics clear, lacquer largely intact

Digital Record

24 high-res images (8,192 × 6,144)

3D Mesh / Photogrammetry

Precise digital measurements

Doc. Score: 82/100Scanned 8/30/2026

Cite this object

Relic Archive. (1884). Victorian Brass Microscope [Object record]. Relic Object RL-1884-000007.