Brass Benn Franks Microscope and Boxed Glass Slide Set

Brass Benn Franks Microscope and Boxed Glass Slide Set with 48 Material Samples

This is a stunning early 1900s brass boxed Benn Franks of Hull microscope, complete with a number of accessories,  including:
A boxed selection of 48 slides (and a further 16 slides inside the carrying case draw),
Stage forceps (attaced to the specimen base plate and used to hold specimens in place often seen with microscopes from the late 19th century),
Stand alone brass magnifying glass and adjustable stand,
Inside the mahogany carrying case is a draw containing several glass slides.

The microscope forked legs are engraved with ‘BENN FRANKS, OPTICIAN, HULL, HANLEY,' It's believed the firm was a retailer for Microscopes and Barograph in the early 1900's

Benn Franks was born in Manchester in 1862, the seventh of the ten children, and by 1891 he became an optician living in Salford. In 1895 he married Helena Mindlesohn and they settled in Hull. Benn Franks Opticians had branches in Hull  as well as in Doncaster, Hanley and Oldham. The company was listed in several Trade Directories and advertised in the Staffordshire Sentinel in 1915. Benn Franks died in Hull in 1940. 


Condition - excellent condition with wear associated with its age and environment of use. The mahogany case is in good condition (with no key). Microscope seems to be working and all original accessories complete. The reflection mirror has a couple of marks / scratches. 

Approximate Measurements

Boxed microscope
Height 30cm (12 inches)
Width 19cm (7 1/2 inches)
Depth 15 cm (6 inches)
Weight 3.5kg + .750kg (total = 4.25kg)


Separate Boxed Slide Set
Height 6cm (2 1/2 inches)
Width 20.5cm (8 1/4 inches)
Depth 11cm (4 1/4 inches)
Weight .750kg