This Culpeper style microscope really is a beautiful microscope in 'as found' condition.

The maker Joseph Linnell was known to be working from around 1764 - 1775, although it isn't known if he was actually making the microscopes or just selling microscopes made by others. He had taken over the Ayscough firm which sold Spectacles and listed as an optician.

This example is marked J. Linnell Ludgate Street London

This is a basic style Culpeper and of intermediate size. I have left this alone as I understand that cleaning these is something that really should only be undertaken by an expert in antique microscopes, I often say with tools that they can be over cleaned and certainly de-valued by doing so, with this I would think once the damage is done by polishing the life out of it, which may may make it look nice and shiney but won't do it any favours.

The box is damaged and could be be repaired, the box was actually found in a workshop empty and propping up a work bench!

My online shop www.thetoolsquirrel.co.uk you will find plenty of vintage tools.

Many Thanks,

Nigel