Body attached to stand. In this configuration the instrument acts as a compound, or "double", microscope.
Sample holder. Fixed spring clip on top. Hinged clip below fixed stage. The position of the stage is held in place on the pillar by friction.
Mirror (3.5cm dia) can be tilted and rotated. Note that the silver is damaged.
The objective position is revealed through this port (#4 shown here).
The folding legs are made of stamped metal. A problem with the Watkins instrument was the weakness of the support legs. These three, folding legs were made out of thin stamped brass, and were quite flimsy. So while the hinged pillar allowed the microscope to be tilted, the weak legs poorly supported the off-balance instrument.
Watkins microscope mechanical body components