1st May, 2000 12:00

Instruments of Science and Technology

 
  Lot 72
 

72

A John Browning Pocket Microscope, Ca 1980.

A John Browning Pocket Microscope. London, England, circa 1880. Signed "John Browning, London, 351", on the tube, supported on a folding tripod design with one leg serving as the limb, coarse focus by sliding the optical tube, fine focus through the foot, controlled from the top by fine screw and acting on the stage, sliding gimballed mirror, and draw tube. Measurement: H. 20 cm. catalogue Note: John Browning (c. 1831-1925) was a famous optical instrument maker, best known for spectroscopes of all forms, including those for the microscope ('microspectroscope') and telescope; he made other optical devices including microscope objectives. Examples of an objective, microspectroscope, and telescope spectroscope eyepiece, are all parts of this collection as is a copy of his book 'How to Work with the Spectroscope'. His books on the spectroscope are classics. John joined his father Spencer Browning in business after apprenticing with him and in 1856 took over sole ownership. He quickly changed the specialization of the business from nautical instruments to other types, especially spectroscopes and other instruments that used a prism. In 1866, his address was at 1 Norfolk street. By 1868 his factory was at 111 Minories, London, and he also had a shop at 6 Vine Street. In 1872 he moved to 63 Strand where he remained to about 1901. In 1900 the business was bought out by Watson and Sons, but Browning remained with the company until he retired in 1905. The Browning company then became known as 'John Browning Ltd' and this name was used until 1945, despite the ownership of Watson's. The address was 146 Strand from 1901 until at least 1914. The address was 37 Southampton Street, London in 1922 and 1923. The last known address I am aware of is 188 Strand from 1923 onwards. Estimate: 150-300

Sold for €390


 
A John Browning Pocket Microscope. London, England, circa 1880. Signed "John Browning, London, 351", on the tube, supported on a folding tripod design with one leg serving as the limb, coarse focus by sliding the optical tube, fine focus through the foot, controlled from the top by fine screw and acting on the stage, sliding gimballed mirror, and draw tube. Measurement: H. 20 cm. catalogue Note: John Browning (c. 1831-1925) was a famous optical instrument maker, best known for spectroscopes of all forms, including those for the microscope ('microspectroscope') and telescope; he made other optical devices including microscope objectives. Examples of an objective, microspectroscope, and telescope spectroscope eyepiece, are all parts of this collection as is a copy of his book 'How to Work with the Spectroscope'. His books on the spectroscope are classics. John joined his father Spencer Browning in business after apprenticing with him and in 1856 took over sole ownership. He quickly changed the specialization of the business from nautical instruments to other types, especially spectroscopes and other instruments that used a prism. In 1866, his address was at 1 Norfolk street. By 1868 his factory was at 111 Minories, London, and he also had a shop at 6 Vine Street. In 1872 he moved to 63 Strand where he remained to about 1901. In 1900 the business was bought out by Watson and Sons, but Browning remained with the company until he retired in 1905. The Browning company then became known as 'John Browning Ltd' and this name was used until 1945, despite the ownership of Watson's. The address was 146 Strand from 1901 until at least 1914. The address was 37 Southampton Street, London in 1922 and 1923. The last known address I am aware of is 188 Strand from 1923 onwards. Estimate: 150-300

Auction: Instruments of Science and Technology, 1st May, 2000

Hessink's proudly presents the sale of a fine single owner collection of Instruments of Science and Technology. The sale offers you a great opportunity to purchase beautiful selection of globes, microscopes, telescopes, medical, drawing, surveying and navigational instruments from famous instrument makersfrom the 17th to the 20th century.

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