Page 1 of 1

New Member from New York

Posted: Sun Jul 28, 2019 9:58 pm
by Mike-Roscope
Greetings to all,

I’m Mike, and I am a brand new member who seeks information and will happily reciprocate, in advance, some interesting history about two recently acquired microscopes which are temporarily in my possession. First, my disclaimer: aside from high school science class I have only rudimentary knowledge of these instruments, and will gladly lean upon the knowledge base found on the forum...many thanks in advance.

1. Bausch and Lomb, serial number 236740
2. Asahi ASA Type K, Tokyo

Both owned by Lucy Ozarin: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucy_Ozarin

A fascinating woman who grew up locally to me whose life spanned over 100 years and was ground breaking in her career as a doctor as well as in the military....please read the wiki page for more info.

My wife and I are collectors of history through objects which interest us, and a church thrift shop with which we are associated has given to me these two instruments to research and value....we like to provide valuations and estimates for this particular organization pro bono on items to aid them in fundraising; such nice folks there, indeed!

Anyway, we got as far as dating the B&L to 1932-3 which seems to fit into Miss Ozarin’s days as a student, and we believe the instrument was purchased at B. M. Levoy in New York City. The condition, exterior-wise, looks amazing however I cannot speak to the operational condition as that is above my knowledge.

The Asahi instrument is a bit of a mystery aside from the ASA Tokyo etched on it and the paper glued inside of a finger jointed box. This instrument is reminiscent of the student model microscope we used in high school.

We would like to learn more of these instruments, and will be appreciative of any and all information. Both my wife and I are very excited to have such interesting historical items with provenance linking the original owner to the object, and no lightweight owner at that.

I will attempt to post photos, and if I do not meet the forum’s criteria I apologize as I am new to the digital world...please forgive and forget, thanks.

I will try to post photos of the Asahi microscope too, but will feature the B&L.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/182996291 ... 9947378856

Mike

Re: New Member from New York

Posted: Mon Jul 29, 2019 11:12 pm
by Mike-Roscope
Found everything I need here:

https://vademecummicroscope.files.wordp ... pesopt.pdf

Right down to the model and catalogue number, and even the price in 1935.....$155.00

Mike

Re: New Member from New York

Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2019 1:59 am
by PeteM
Nice scope, with a bit of history.

I'd be interested to know more about the "Asahi." Before Olympus was named Olympus, a model of that name was produced.

Re: New Member from New York

Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2019 10:36 am
by Mike-Roscope
Hi Pete,
My research also revealed the Olympus Asahi model, but it maybe the Pentax corporation which is associated with Asahi Optics Co. and their Asa Tokyo branded instruments. I’ve found some instrument examples online, and a wiki page about Pentax, but little else insofar as definitive knowledge.
Mike

Re: New Member from New York

Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 12:57 pm
by Dave S
Welcome :)

Re: New Member from New York

Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2019 3:27 pm
by Mike-Roscope
Thank you Dave.

Re: New Member from New York

Posted: Fri Aug 02, 2019 8:19 pm
by Mike-Roscope
I received correspondence from Fred K. from www.microscopeinternational.com and he shed some light on the B&L which is great. If I needed to access their services I’m lucky as they are local to me.

Re: New Member from New York

Posted: Fri Aug 02, 2019 8:26 pm
by Mike-Roscope
Also heard back from Barry S. from http://www.microscope-antiques.com/ and while his information wasn’t necessarily good news, it was news to me; and that’s good. Check out his collection....just amazing!

Re: New Member from New York

Posted: Fri Aug 09, 2019 4:53 pm
by Mike-Roscope
In my hunt for more information about my scopes I came across this site; hope it provides you with facts and info too:

https://vademecummicroscope.com/