A handsome late‑Victorian brass drum microscope retailed by J. & W. E. Archbutt, Opticians, 8 Bridge Street, Westminster, their paper label still clearly present in the lid of the fitted mahogany case (“Facing the Houses of Parliament”). The microscope has a telescopic body tube with  push‑pull focus, circular stage and the classic cylindrical “drum” foot, all retaining a pleasing warm lacquered finish with honest age wear rather than over‑polishing.
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​The instrument packs neatly into its original case alongside the matching brass stage forceps, making a complete, display‑ready set that illustrates the type of portable microscope used by students and gentleman‑naturalists in the late Victorian era. Ideal for a collection of scientific instruments or as a characterful decorative piece with direct Westminster provenance, and significantly scarcer than anonymous drum microscopes thanks to the named London optician’s label.
 
The Microscope stands 20cm (7.87") high when extended and the case measures 17 x 6.5 x 5.8cm (6.7" x 2.56" x 2.28").