Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

Mechanical stage A.C. from A. Clarkson & Cº Ltd (1920s)

Mechanical stage engraved with ‘A. Clarkson & Cº Ltd., 338 High Holborn WCI)’ which should be dated from the 1920s. The stage was named as the ‘A.C. Mechanical stage’ in a 1920s catalogue from the firm (Figure 1), where it was advertised as an affordable stage that could be attached to most microscopes with square stages. The original business of A. Clarkson was run by Alexander Clarkson as sole proprietor since 1873, after acquiring the business from Robert Mills (originally bought from the Tulley family in 1844). In 1898, Clarkson’s general manager Robert Broadhurst joined the business as additional partner. Broadhurst left the partnership in 1909, and the telescope side of the business continued to trade as Broadhurst, Clarkson & Co. A. Clarkson continued to trade surveying and optical instruments, also selling second-hand microscopes, with the 338 High Holborn as the main address. The business was still trading in surveying and optical instruments in 1984.

Figure 1. The ‘A.C. Mechanical stage’ as pictured in a 1920s catalogue from A. Clarkson & Cº Ltd.

LAST EDITED: 05.05.2021