Microscope in Case with Accessories for George III, by George Adams, London, c. 1763

Silver microscope made for King George III around 1770, the pillar stands on a decorated base with feet in the form of figures joined by a transverse bar. This arrangement supports a ring of eight objective lenses. The instrument consists of a simple microscope on one side and a compound system on the other. There are two specimen stages, with positioning screws, and two mirrors set beneath each stage. The compound body-tube carries a micrometer. An ornate, articulated arm positioned at the top of the pillar holds a lens and two figures steady the decorated body tube. This is stored in a mahogany box with wooden fittings and felt lined storage for accessories which comprise ten ivory sliders, a silver Lieberkühn, a live box, an ivory talc box with retaining rings and mica discs, two magnifiers one disc and one stalk, two large discs, a silver pointer, a fishplate and an eyepiece.