Zeiss mystery scope

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wstenberg
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Zeiss mystery scope

#1 Post by wstenberg » Thu Apr 09, 2020 7:01 pm

Here is my new acquisition. I have not seen another one, and I am not sure what is is.
It has a micrometer of the fine focus, so I'm guessing some sort of industrial measuring microscope. Electrical connections on the back and side of the stand- could be anything...

The stage is missing. The binocular dovetail is 52mm (much bigger than the average Zeiss). I wonder what went on here?

The objective turret is marked A, B, C, and D. The threads are RMS. I don't see any provision for base illumination.

The whole thing is about as heavy as a cow.

Any ideas???
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William
Astoria, Oregon

Zeiss Axiomat
Zeiss Stereomikroskop
Zeiss Tessovar

MichaelG.
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Re: Zeiss mystery scope

#2 Post by MichaelG. » Thu Apr 09, 2020 7:03 pm

Any pictures, William :?:

Sorry ... my question was a little premature !!

:oops: MichaelG.

.
P.S. ___ I don’t recognise it, but it would make a great macro [or whatever] stand.

I’m very envious !!
Too many 'projects'

Scarodactyl
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Re: Zeiss mystery scope

#3 Post by Scarodactyl » Thu Apr 09, 2020 7:38 pm

Looks like a measuring microscope or hardness tester (usually these use the same base). They seem to be less well documented since they're more industry focused. They tend to be super heavy and solid.

MicroBob
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Re: Zeiss mystery scope

#4 Post by MicroBob » Thu Apr 09, 2020 7:50 pm

Hi Bill,
the long dovetailed guides look like those of a measuring microscope for sure. I would first try to decide whether it is Zeiss West or Zeiss Jena to narrow down the choices.
The stand would be nice for stacking of bigger objects.

Bob

wstenberg
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Re: Zeiss mystery scope

#5 Post by wstenberg » Thu Apr 09, 2020 9:27 pm

Thanks All,

This definitely "Made in West Germany". I know that particular label indicates a certain year range, but I don't know my history well enough to narrow it down. 1945-1991?
William
Astoria, Oregon

Zeiss Axiomat
Zeiss Stereomikroskop
Zeiss Tessovar

MicroBob
Posts: 3154
Joined: Sun Dec 25, 2016 9:11 am
Location: Northern Germany

Re: Zeiss mystery scope

#6 Post by MicroBob » Fri Apr 10, 2020 7:21 am

I don't know precisely the naming of Zeiss in the early post war years as there was legal dispute between Zeiss Jena and Zeiss Obenkochen+Göttingen but 1945-1990 will be about right. The measuring microscopes usually have a single objective in a ridgid block, not a revolving nosepiece. Is it possible that this an individual modification?

MichaelG.
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Re: Zeiss mystery scope

#7 Post by MichaelG. » Fri Apr 10, 2020 9:10 am

MicroBob wrote:
Fri Apr 10, 2020 7:21 am
Is it possible that this an individual modification?

Very possible, I would think

But then ... What was that magnificent stand originally designed for ?

The fact that it is a tall column and [apparently] not ‘tilting’ rules-out many of the ‘Toolmaker’ jobs
... and the three location points on the base suggest precision location of a table or fixture.

The full-length rack is the icing on the cake
... but what, I wonder, is the recipe of that cake :?:

MichaelG.

.

Edit: Could you give us some dimensions please, William
Too many 'projects'

wstenberg
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Re: Zeiss mystery scope

#8 Post by wstenberg » Fri Apr 10, 2020 4:44 pm

OK, some more clues...
The scope does not seem to be modified. All parts are fitted and assembled, and finished with Zeiss factory precision.

The height of the column is 24 inches.

The objective arm is mounted on a dovetail that allows approximately 1.5 mm of movement in the Z-axis, perhaps to prevent crashing the objectives into the sample.

The column contains wires that goes from 4 plugs on the side to a single outlet on the rear.

The stage mounts are threaded, like some sort of leveling screws went in here. I am imagining some sort of fancy x-y micrometer stage that matches the grease outline.
More photos attached.
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William
Astoria, Oregon

Zeiss Axiomat
Zeiss Stereomikroskop
Zeiss Tessovar

MichaelG.
Posts: 3980
Joined: Mon Apr 10, 2017 8:24 am
Location: North Wales

Re: Zeiss mystery scope

#9 Post by MichaelG. » Fri Apr 10, 2020 4:54 pm

Thanks for the extra info. William

I’m still lusting after it
... probably a good thing that I am thousands of miles away !

MichaelG.
Too many 'projects'

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