Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

 

      

Microscope 344 (Carton Optical Co; toy stereo microscope; 1970s – 1980s)

 

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Microscope 344 is a toy stereoscope. The instrument is labelled with “COC, STEREO, 15X 30X” and “JAPAN”, and should be dated to the 1970s or 1980s. The label COC corresponds to the Japanese company Carton Optical Co., also known to have made microscopes for contract brands such as Tasco, Sears, Lumex, and Lafayette. The company was founded in 1930 as a wholesaler of spectacle frames in Tokyo, Japan. In 1951, they began importing and exporting various kinds of optical goods as a trading company. In 1964, their own factory was established in Saitama, Japan, manufacturing optical instruments such as microscopes, binoculars, telescopes, magnifiers, and other ophthalmic instruments under a registered Carton brand. In 1988, the company established their factory in Pathumthani, Thailand, to manufacture microscopes and other instruments.

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