Microscope oil lamp illuminator by Swift & Son of London, circa 1880.

Oil lamp on adjustable height stand, the angle of the lamp is also adjustable.

Minimum height: 31.5 cm. Maximum height: 50 cm.

Brass stand base cast: SWIFT & SON . LONDON . W.C.

Bulls eye condenser with blue filter.

Ceramic shade transfer printed:

SWIFT & SON

UNIVERSITY OPTICAL WORKS

TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD

LONDON

REGISTERED

Fitted pine case with brass handle: H: 38 cm. W: 19 cm. D: 15.5 cm.

For similar Swift microscope lamps see the collections of:

Powerhouse Museum, MAAS, (Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences) Sydney, Australia: Object No. H7178

Science Museum London: Object Number: Y1997.6.19

James Swift & Son Ltd. 1857 – 1969.

London instrument laboratory of James Swift, founded in 1857; Traded at 43 University St., Tottenham Court Rd., London (1876-1880s) & 81 Tottenham Court Rd. (1881-1910s), earlier as James Swift (w.1853-1876) with later partnership with son, James Mansell Swift, in 1880s(?); By 1914 had become a limited company. In 1946 they merged with Adam Hilger and Watts & Son Ltd, thereafter doing business as Hilger & Watts Ltd.