Description: Swift microscope manufactured in 1954 with the reference number 22454.Appearing to be in good order but missing one lens. This is a precision engineered item, robust and heavy weighing 6.6kg and measuring36.5 x 13 x 21cm. James Swift were microscope makers trading from London and founded in 1853 by James Powell Swift, who was son of the watchmaker Thomas Swift. Before founding his company, James Swift was apprenticed to the well-known microscope maker Andrew Ross. In 1881 they made improvements to microscope design, including the replacement of the straight rack and pinion focusing to helical cut components and a new fine focus system. In 1884, Mansell James Swift, son of James Powell, joined the company and the name was changed to James Swift & Son. In 1901, Captain Scott was supplied with Swift microscopes for use on the R.R.S. Discovery for the 1901-1904 expedition, named in the catalogue of the time as the 'Discovery' model. In 1903, Mansell Powell John Swift, grandson of the founder, joined the company. In 1906, the founder of the company, James Powell Swift, died. In 1912, the company was incorporated as a limited company and the name changed to J. Swift Ltd. In 1942, both Mansell Powell and Mansell James died. In 1946, ER Watts and Son Ltd took over the company, mainly due to the association between the Watts and Swift families in earlier years. In 1949, they employed John H. Basset who, in 1968, took over the company.
Price: 35 GBP
Location: Southampton
End Time: 2024-12-01T16:43:33.000Z
Shipping Cost: 55.03 GBP
Product Images
Item Specifics
Returns Accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Sub-Type: Microscopes
Type: Scientific Instruments
Period: 1951 to Present
Material: Steel
Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
