Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

 

      

Microscope 567 (Franks; drum microscope, early 20th century)

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A. Franks Ltd was an optician and instrument maker which traded between 1879 and 1950. Founded in the latter part of the 19th century by Louis Aubrey Franks, they traded originally as 'L.A. Franks' from Manchester, listed as a manufacturer of photographic apparatus, optician, and scientific instrument maker. Following a bankruptcy in 1879, a new firm was formed soon after, an optician trading as A. Franks. Microscope 567 is a simple drum microscope and was probably made in the early 20th century. The instrument is engraved with “Franks, 114 Deansgate, Manchester” and the serial number 175.