Mikroskop

[leporello]

Thanks to accept me as user of your forum. I have this mikroskop made in Germany was given to me by friend doctor. We would like to know which is the value/Wert of this item. If you would kindly like to answer! I tgank you beforehand! Mr. Ivano from Italy

[Klaus Herrmann]

Hello signore Ivano,

Ivano sounds very italian! Your question comes in the right moment . We just had an other newcommer who wanted some info about 4 old instruments. Unfortunately in this forum it is a rule not to give estimations about a value of an instrument. In spite of this I would like to give you my personal opinion: 100.- € plus minus 50.-

[leporello]

Sehr Danke!!!!

[TPL]

Ciao Ivano,

from what I can see on the tiny pictures (I avoid clicking on thumbnails; better to upload and link them in an appropriate format), this is a Rhein-Optik microscope stand with a mechanical stage, a substage condensor, and with the usual kit of 10:1, 45:1, and 100:1 immersion objectives. Its wide tube was a characteristics for an (optional) use in microphotography.

This is a very common design for German microscopes from around 1920 through the 1970ies. Judging from its appearence ("clean" typeface for engravings, black enamel coating) however, I tend to believe that it was produced in the 1950ies.

Klaus already mentioned that value etimates should be avoided in this forum. This has several reasons, one being that the value of a microscope mostly depends on characteristics that cannot be readily displayed in pictures, nor reliably described without a fairly deep understanding of microscope technology and usage.

Regarding this particular instrument, it looks well-preserved. But it is neither a rare brand or design, nor does its cosmetical appearance warrant any speculation about its optical and/or mechanical usability. Just to give you an idea: I recently bought a similar German microscope with the same type of attachments/extras from a professional dealer (i.e., including warranty and a 30-days return policy) at 85 € (plus shipping). If you do not happen to find a collector for this particular brand (or someone who chases his date of birth in serial numbers ), it might be a good idea to keep it for personal use and/or decoration.

Cheers, Thomas

[Haus@Hund]

Hi Ivano!

Please compare your microscope with the one described in this thread: http://www.mikroskopie-forum.de/index.php?topic=10442.0. My old Will RK4 looks very similar to your Rhein-Optik device, and you may notice that the objectives bear the old logo of Will Wetzlar - the predecessor of my current employer (Hund). I purchased this RK4 via eBay for about 50 EUR, just to give you an idea about the "value".

Regards
Jörg