Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

Microscope 394 (Meopta; stereoscopic microscope; early 1950s)

Meopta traces its roots back to the year 1933 when Optikotechna company was established in Prerov, initially producing lenses and condensers. By 1936, Optikotechna established new facilities to accommodate the rapid expansion of its operation but was forced to surrender control of its production to the German army during the Word War II. After the war, the remaining company was renamed Meopta, an acronym for “Mechanická optická výroba” (mechanical optical manufacturing). Apart from military deliveries, the company became one of the world's major manufacturers of cinema projectors between 1947 and 1970. In 1971, production was again refocused primarily on military products until it was abruptly ended in 1989 (at which time the sale of military products, which represented about 75% of Meopta´s business, was reduced to zero). In 1991, Meopta completed its first step toward privatization when it was established as a joint stock company. Microscope 394 is a stereoscopic microscope engraved with “Meopta”, “MADE IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA” and the serial number 230717. The design of the logo engraved on the microscope suggests that the instrument is probably dated to the late 1940s or early 1950s (Figure 1).

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

Figure 1. Pictorial history of the Meopta’s logo designs (adapted from https://stichtinghistorischemicroscopie.nl)