C. 1870'S R&J BECK MICROSCOPE, MAGNIFIER, COMPASSES TRADE CATALOG PHILADELPHIA

Description

Offered is a c.1870’s, 16pp. (including paper wrappers) trade catalog of the important opticians R. & J. Beck, located in London and Philadelphia, describing and profusely illustrating primarily microscopes. But the catalog also has sections depicting and/or describing hand magnifiers, watchmakers’ and engravers’ glasses, lenses, mounting instruments, staining fluids, cases for microscopic objects, field glasses, thermometers, pocket compasses, barometers etc. The precise (cover) title is: A Condensed List of a Few of the Most Desirable Microscopes, of Moderate Cost, and Accessories, Mounting Instruments and Materials etc.,etc., Made, Imported, and For Sale by R. J. Beck, Manufacturing Opticians, London and 1016 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. It has printed self-wrappers, sewn as issued. The illustrations appear to be from wood engravings. The items show an assigned catalog number and price. “R. & J. Beck began in business as such in 1865, won an award at the Centennial Exhibition in 1876, and established an American branch in Philadelphia in 1877. This shop was opened by William H. Walmsley, the former head of the optical department of J. W. Queen & Co. Williams, Brown & Earle was running it by 1891.” americanhistory dot si dot edu
At the time this catalog was issued, W.H. Walmsley was operating the Philadelphia branch of the business as shown by his name and title (manager) on the cover. More history of this important firm: “James Smith (1789 – 1870) established himself in business in 1839. Working with J.J. Lister in the design of the objectives used on his microscopes, he gained high reputation from the onset. In 1841 he was requested by the Royal Microscopical Society to supply them with one of his microscopes, which was regarded good but slightly inferior to the one given by Andrew Ross. In 1847 Smith took into partnership Richard Beck (1827 – 1866), J. J. Lister's nephew, and the firm was renamed “Smith & Beck.” In 1851, Joseph Beck (1829 – 1891) joined his brother in the firm and the name became "Smith, Beck & Beck". After Smith's retirement in 1864 it became R&J Beck, a trademark that continued into the 20th century.” microscopehistory dot com
Size: 9.25" X 5.75"
Condition: The cover wrappers have separated at the bottom fold about 2 inches, pages at the extreme bottom right corner are frayed and dog-eared(very small area) with the front cover bottom right corner having slight paper loss. Some old stains and evidence of two old vertical folds.
Follow @ephemera_auctions on Instagram for auction updates.
Returns accepted within 7 days of delivery if item does not match description or expectations.