Antique C. Kellner / Fr. Belthle Stand IVa Microscope (SN.839, 1865)

This is an antique microscope Stand IVa manufactured by
Carl Kellner / Friedrich Christian Belthle.

Serial Number: No.839
Manufactured: 1865 (Edo period in Japan)

Historical Background

After Carl Kellner died of tuberculosis at the young age of 29, his widow married Friedrich Christian Belthle (1829–1869) in 1856. She immediately appointed him as director of the optical workshop.

During the 13 years Belthle managed the workshop, the company employed about nine workers and produced approximately 60–70 microscopes per year.

In January 1864, the young Ernst Leitz joined the workshop.
After Belthle died in May 1869, Leitz inherited the optical workshop, which later became the famous Leitz optical company.

Microscope Specifications

Mechanical Tube Length: 160 mm

Size
H 25.5 cm × W 8.5 cm × D 8.5 cm
(H 10.04 in × W 3.35 in × D 3.35 in)

Weight
1.15 kg

The microscope is fully functional with no operational issues.

Engraving and Serial Number

The arm of the microscope is engraved with the maker’s inscription and serial number.

C.KELLNER'S NACHFOLGER
FR. BELTHLE IN WETZLAR
No.839

Please see Photo 7 for the engraving and serial number details.

Yellow arrow: C.KELLNER'S NACHFOLGER (Successor to C. Kellner)
Red arrow: FR. BELTHLE IN WETZLAR
Blue arrow: Serial number No.839

Stage and Illumination

Under the specimen stage there is a rotating diaphragm disk with four aperture holes.

Please see Photo 11.

Fine Adjustment

The fine adjustment handle located under the stage moves the specimen stage up and down.

Please see Photo 13.

Optical Components

Eyepiece (1 piece)
No. II
Magnification: 6×

Please see Photo 17.

Objective Lens (1 piece)
No. 3
Magnification: 70×

Please see Photo 18.

Observation Example
Specimen: Human duodenum (H&E stained)
Observation Magnification: 420×

Please see Photo 18.

Wooden Case

Original wooden storage case included.

Size
H 13 cm × W 23.7 cm × D 14.5 cm
(H 5.12 in × W 9.33 in × D 5.71 in)

Please see Photo 19.

Collector's Note

Friedrich Christian Belthle was the successor to Carl Kellner's optical workshop.
His management period lasted only 13 years, and microscopes from the Kellner / Belthle era are extremely rare today.

This microscope was manufactured 163 years ago, yet it remains in excellent preserved condition, with the original gold lacquer finish still beautifully maintained.

Very few examples of Kellner / Belthle microscopes survive worldwide, making this a highly collectible historical scientific instrument.

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Please contact me if you have any questions.