{"product_id":"r-j-beck-stereoscopic-microscope-1872-war-office-marking","title":"R \u0026 J Beck Stereoscopic Microscope 1872 — Antique Victorian, War Office","description":"\u003cp\u003eStunning stereoscopic microscope produced by R \u0026amp; J Beck around 1872. This example has a cast iron horse shoe base with two upright columns leading to the angle adjustment. There are broad arrows on the base, by the optics and on each eye piece. Faint remains of the name 'Beck' can be seen. Serial number 6451 confirms the date of 1872 and would be the Beck 'economic' microscope due to its construction from cast iron.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn good overall condition, some minor marks and wear which are age related. Optics are good. A lovely piece of history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCosmetic:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good overall condition with minor age-related marks and wear to the cast iron base and columns. Consistent with a piece of this age.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMechanical:\u003c\/strong\u003e Angle adjustment mechanism functions correctly. Optics are clear and in good order.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompleteness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Both eyepieces present, each bearing broad arrow War Office markings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e R \u0026amp; J Beck, London — one of the foremost Victorian optical instrument makers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1872, confirmed by serial number 6451.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWar Office markings:\u003c\/strong\u003e Broad arrow stamps on the base, optics, and both eyepieces indicate this instrument was issued to or inspected by the British War Office — a rare and historically significant provenance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Beck 'Economic' stereoscopic microscope, identified by its cast iron construction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Curio Optics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":65097813557597,"sku":"001","price":125.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1088\/1335\/3309\/files\/Photoroom_20260628_150320.jpg?v=1782656048","url":"https:\/\/curiooptics.com\/en-eu\/products\/r-j-beck-stereoscopic-microscope-1872-war-office-marking","provider":"Curio Optics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}