An antique metallurgical microscope by Charles Baker of London and dated 1905, engraved to the body 'C BAKER, LONDON', with large opaque focusing mechanical stage, 'Jug' handle body, body tube with vertical illuminator, triple nosepiece and single drawer tube. A beautiful piece of engineering. The slide retaining clips appear to be a later addition. This is a superb antique microscope with high decorative appeal for those with an interest in scientific instruments. Ideal for the study or desk.
 
The Microscope stands 38.5cm (15.16") and weighs 5.9kg (13lbs).
 
The business was founded in London in about 1765, Charles Baker, who was born in 1820, giving his name to the company from about 1851. When Charles Baker died in 1894 the firm continued under the same name but run by the Curties family until it became, in 1936, Charles Baker & Co. and subsequently, sometime in the 1940s, C. Baker Ltd. The firm’s address was given as 244 High Holborn, London. The firm produced optical and surgical instruments. In 1963, Vickers acquired the C Baker Ltd microscope factory and a new company called Vickers Instruments was formed.