Antique Nörremberg-Type Micro-Polariscope. Circa 1890-1900. Greek origin. Unsigned. Incredible optics, a rare & highly superb custom-build. Marked '0π560'.
Polariscopes are instruments for measuring or exhibiting the polarization of light or for examining substances in polarized light, often to determine stress and strain in glass and other substances. Consists of a mounted prism microscope with high-magnification eyepiece, adjustable mechanical iris.
Central axis with iris to adjust the amount of light that passes through, underneath a sliding plate with diffraction rating (polarized) on one side, and not on the other. By sliding the tray left the object can be viewed in ambient light, sliding the tray right the light passes through a small cylinder with a diffraction rating. This cylinder, may be rotated 90 degrees using side-mounted lever. Adjustable/lockable mechanical iris.
Polariscope is mounted on a removable (and height adjustable) weighted cast iron base under turned-brass bell.