Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

 

      

Microscope 364 (Theodore Hamblin; stereo binocular head; mid-20th century)

 

A close-up of a machine

Description automatically generated with low confidenceA close-up of a gold microscope

Description automatically generated with medium confidenceA picture containing metal, cylinder, brass, bronze

Description automatically generated

Henry Thomas Hamblin started an optician firm in Cavendish Square, London. His brother joined him in partnership and, in 1909, he sold the business. Henry opened a new optics firm in 1909, in Cavendish Street, London, called Theodore Hamblin Ltd. Henry retired in 1919 but the business continued. The firm was acquired in 1981 by Dollond & Aitchison. Microscope 364 is a stereo binocular head engraved with “THEODORE HAMBLIN Ltd, LONDON W1” and the serial number 635/67. The exact function of this binocular head is unclear, as well as the period in which it was made.

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