Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

Microscope 346 (Britex; Minor microscope; mid-20^th century)

Microscope 346 is labelled with “BRITEX MINOR”, “MADE IN ENGLAND”, and the serial number 7190. The instrument should be dated to the mid-20^th century. These student microscopes were made from about the 1920s through the 1960s and sold by several companies (Figure 1). Britex (Scientific Instruments) was a company trading from 523-4 Bank Chambers, 329 High Holborn, London, selling several optical and other scientific instruments.

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

Figure 1. Britex’s Minor microscope as featured in a 1960 Gallenkamp catalogue.