Carpenter, London – Brass Drum Microscope with Fitted Mahogany Case and Specimen Sliders – Circa 1830. An early 19th-century brass compound drum microscope, engraved “Carpenter, Regent St London”, accompanied by its fitted mahogany carrying case, interchangeable objectives, optical accessories and six early specimen sliders. The microscope features a cylindrical brass body, rack-and-pinion focusing, manually adjustable upper drawtube, circular stage and illuminating mirror beneath. The fitted case has a velvet-lined lid, removable wooden accessory tray, an engraved brass ownership cartouche and a key, the key fits but does not work the lock. The six multiple-specimen sliders are a particularly interesting feature. Their pale frames appear to be bone, each containing four specimen positions. They include both transparent mounts and dark-backed preparations for viewing by reflected light. The surviving specimens include what appear to be insect fragments, plant material and fibres. The transparent protective windows are likely mica, a material commonly used in early microscope preparations. Philip Carpenter (1776–1833) was an established English optical and scientific instrument maker, initially working in Birmingham before opening premises at 24 Regent Street, London, in 1826. He supplied microscopes, telescopes, kaleidoscopes and magic lanterns. His Regent Street premises housed the celebrated "Microcosm", an exhibition presenting enlarged views of microscopic natural specimens. Combining scientific instruction with spectacle, it brought the wonders of microscopy to a wider public. Following Carpenter’s death, his sister Mary continued the business, subsequently entering into partnership with William Westley. The firm became Carpenter & Westley in 1837. The Carpenter-only signature and Regent Street address on this instrument support an approximate date of 1826–1837, catalogued here as circa 1830. Condition and testing The microscope has been tested with a specimen and a focused image obtained. The rack-and-pinion focusing mechanism operates, and the upper drawtube adjusts manually. Not all objectives or accessories have been tested, and no claim is made that the outfit is complete. There is age-related marking, tarnishing and wear to the brass finish. The wooden case shows surface wear. The specimen sliders show discolouration, scratches and deterioration to some mounts and specimens. An attractive early scientific instrument, combining a recognised London optical name with a fitted case and an engaging group of period specimen preparations. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description. The microscope extends from 25 to 33cm.