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Good places to find antique microscopes for sale online?

Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2020 3:37 pm
by flimflam
Hello.

I am interested in buying an antique microscope. Where are the best places online to find them for sale?
Ebay is an obvious choice. Other than that, does anyone have any suggestions on where else I should be looking? Are there reputable dealers that sell online?
I don't have a specific model in mind, but I am particularly interested in getting a brass microscope from the late 19th century.

I also appreciate any general advice on what I should look out for.

Thanks!

Re: Good places to find antique microscopes for sale online?

Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2020 11:48 pm
by Element 56
Be very careful buying them from eBay. When an antique microscope is dropped something will bend and it may not be obvious to the seller and certainly not in a photograph. Obviously these instruments have been around and have been knocked around so it is important to thoroughly check them out. I have purchased more microscopes from eBay then I will publicly admit to and early on I bought some junk. I don't put a lot of trust in antique dealers and eBay is the place where a lot of them dump their junk! I've actually heard them admit to it! "oh I don't want that piece of crap in my store so I'll sell it on eBay!"

That said eBay UK does have a better selection then eBay USA and pricing is usually better. If you're in the UK I would say you're in the right place to find a good instrument. There's also some specialty antique scientific instrument dealers in the UK that have very nice selections. Just do a search for "antique scientific instruments for sale" and you will find them. Always be sure to check them out with a third party to be sure their a reputable dealer.

Fleaglass is a big step up from eBay and I would say the best option. The offerings are better and the sellers more knowledgeable. You may pay more but it's money well spent when you get something worth having. There is some auction houses that specialize in antique microscopes. Off the top of my head Flints has an upcoming microscope auction.

When buying antique microscopes try to buy them complete with accessories and in the best condition you can afford. The finish is a very important part of the instruments history and value so so not overlook it and DO NOT waste your money on something someone "polished"! Anyone can shine a piece of brass but it takes talent to lacquer a microscope the way it was done in the 19th century.

Another option is to join the Quekett and post a want add on their Facebook page. It's a great club with a lot of very helpful and knowledgeable members.

Links,
https://www.fleaglass.com/
https://www.flintsauctions.com/auctions ... -calendar/
http://www.arsmachina.com/microsale3.htm
https://www.vanleestantiques.com/produc ... struments/
https://www.sellingantiques.co.uk/t/ant ... struments/
Unfortunately this dealer is going out of business
http://www.gemmary.com/scientific-instruments.html
https://asiuk.net/mics2020/microscopes.html
I have no personal experience with this seller but I had the link bookmarked.
http://www.scitechantiques.com/

Be sure to visit Allan Wissners site and his "links page' . Lots to see and learn on his site!
http://www.antique-microscopes.com/

Kirby

Re: Good places to find antique microscopes for sale online?

Posted: Sun Sep 06, 2020 1:10 am
by flimflam
Thanks for the advice Element 56.

The list of links looks very useful.

Re: Good places to find antique microscopes for sale online?

Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2020 2:31 am
by Bemoc
Did someone mention 19th century lacquer and application techniques of that time? I know about that. Anyone brave enough to give it a go, it's not really that difficult it just takes very specific tools and techniques. If there is a place for it, I can post about it or just PM me.

Re: Good places to find antique microscopes for sale online?

Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2020 2:52 am
by BramHuntingNematodes
One thing that can't be restored is the pattern of wear accumulated over decades of use that show how the previous user handled and used the instrument. It's a very important part of antique tools and violins, so I would assume the same could be applied to microscopes.

Re: Good places to find antique microscopes for sale online?

Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2020 7:52 pm
by Bemoc
Well, I made a good living first creating surfaces just like they used to, then degrading them to be in line with what my highly discerning clients were accustomed to seeing. Example: the original frescoes in Pompeii and elsewhere were originally brightly colored and polished to a mirror-like sheen. I have gone all that distance to create (recreate) them for folks, then had to "distress" them. Pity, sometimes, but always beautiful.