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Compound Variable Magnification Thread Counter

MAKER/MODEL: MASCHINENSPINNE

c. 1920

DESCRIPTION HISTORY

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Microscope

Microscope

Microscope

Microscope

Microscope

DESCRIPTION:
logo"This is a compound variable magnification device designed for use in the textile industry. The magnification is varied by raising or lowering the sliding inner tube. Focus is by the knurled black knob. A coarsly threaded screw moves the device along a white letter scale on a black background. In the insignia of a 3-element lens it is signed 'GERMANY, MASCHENSPINNE, 8121' The word Maschenspinne translates to 'Machine spider'. The microscope base measures 65 X 40 mm. Minimum height is 106 mm and with the tube fully extended, 140 mm. Instead of a pointer, this device has a line built-in to the optics. The optical tube is moved over the cloth by the spiral screw with the line in the center of its field. It comes in a leather-covered wooden case with a purple velour covering on the bottom and a purple colored padded cloth lining on the inside of the top. The inside is signed in gold letters: Maschinenspinne 8121,   Made in Germany. The outer top is signed: Jean A. Eberly, Reading, Penn'a. Outside dimensions of the case are about 147 X 96 X 58 mm.

CONDITION: The instrument is in fine working condition, but because the angled sleeve is attached to the rest of the instrument by a single screw, and the 5-sided black slide carrying the optical tube on the silver-color hexagonal bar is made of bendable metal, the microscope tube can wobble back and forth a tiny bit as the movement is changed from one direction to the other. The optical field is flat without distortion but there is a very narrow depth of field, so the user has to compromise a little on having the scale in perfect focus or the surface of the object being studied in perfect focus. The case is in good condition with minor scuffs and losses to the outside. The clasp works.



HISTORY OF THIS DEVICE

There were at least two or three versions of this device, one with built-in electric lighting. The Eberly company was a retailer and manufacturer of sewing and other textile-related tools and equipment.