Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

 

    

Microscope 416 (Charles Perry; stereo microscope, model Prefect; 1960s)

 

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Charles Perry was the foreman of Powell & Lealand, which ceased manufacturing microscopes in 1901, after which he went to work for C. Baker of High Holborn and later, around 1914, started up himself as Charles Perry (originally trading from 41, Northolme Road, Highbury, North London). Whether Charles Perry had his own factory or had instruments made to his specification by Watson is unclear. Later, Charles Perry also made dissecting and student microscopes for Prior, sold with their signature, and Prior made several models for him, with his signature. By 1960, Prior and Charles Perry merged but kept their separate names until about 1970. Microscope 416 is a stereoscopic microscope engraved with “CHARLES PERRY & CO. LTD, LONDON”, “PREFECT” and the serial number 1794. This instrument should be dated to the 1950s, and is also labelled with “BIRKBECK COLLEGE, DEPT. OF BOTANY, I”. The same information is engraved also on the original wooden box of the instrument.

Note: this instrument was kindly donated by Dave Levell (Pembrokeshire, Wales) in May 2023.