Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

 

      

Microscope 389 (Charles Perry; Stereoscopic microscope, model Classic Nº. 2; 1920s)

 

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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 389 is a stereoscopic microscope engraved with “CHARLES PERRY, 41 Northholme Road, London, N.5”, “CLASSIC Nº. 2”, and the serial number 1525.

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