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Microscope Museum Collection of antique microscopes and other
scientific instruments |
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Microscope
70 (J Swift
& Son; c. 1900)
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. Microscope 70 is an example of the J. Swift & Son’s
new college microscope and can be dated to c. 1900 (Figure 1). The microscope
is signed on the bottom of the rear of the foot 'SWIFT & SON, 81
TOTTENHAM CTR, LONDON WC'. The bird trademark of the Swift is also engraved
on the rear crossbar. The mahogany box containing the microscope contains a
label with the retailer’s name ‘MILLIKIN & LAWLEY, 165, STRAND, LONDON’.
The device originally had a black glass stage instead of the adapted wooden
stage.
Figure 1. James Swift & Son’s new college
microscope as engraved in the firm’s 1892 catalogue. References James
Swift and Son (https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/James_Swift_and_Son),
last accessed on 12.08.2020 'NEW
HISTOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL MICROSCOPE' (https://www.microscope-antiques.com/discoveryEXP.html),
last accessed on 12.08.2020 J.
Swift & son "Discovery" model, c.a. 1905 (http://www.igm.cnr.it/pagine-personali/maga/maga-microscopes/swift/),
last accessed on 12.08.2020 MAKER:
JAMES SWIFT & SON; MODEL: 'BACTERIOLOGICAL' MICROSCOPE WITH OPTIONAL
TRAVIS 'ROLLER STAGE' (https://www.microscope-antiques.com/swiftbact.html),
last accessed on 13.08.2020 James
Swift & Son (1892) Catalogue of microscopes (19nd
Edition) LAST EDITED: 22.08.2020 |
