Spencer dissecting microscope, mid-20th century

Containers:
Artifact-box 164, Item hanony0001
Scope and content:

Compound binocular. Signed: Spencer, Buffalo, USA. This example has a pair of metal hand rests.

One of the first American microscopes was made in 1850 by C.A. and H.R. Spencer of Canastota, New York. Spencer lenses earned a reputation at home and abroad and some experts considered them superior to any European product. Spencer objectives received a Gold Medal at the 1878 Paris Exhibition. The firm subsequently moved to Buffalo in 1890. The complex business history of the firm involved multiple names and leadership changes. In 1935 the Spencer Lens Company was absorbed by the American Optical Company.

Acquisition information:
Received from: Unknown source

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