Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

Microscope 359 (Kyowa; Stereo body head, model SDZ; 1970s - 1980s)

In 1940, Ishii Harukichi established Kyowa Optical and Precision Instruments Works (currently Kyowa Optical Co.) in Honan, Suginami (Japan). Microscope 359 is a stereo microscope head, model SDZ, made by Kyowa Optical Co Ltd. The instrument is engraved with “KYOWA, TOKYO” and the serial number 773913, and should be dated to the 1970s – 1980s. This binocular head would fit several stands sold by the company (Figure 1).

Note: this instrument was kindly donated by Dave Levell (Pembrokeshire, Wales) in May 2023.

Figure 1. Examples of stereo microscopes model SDZ on different stands sold by Kyowa, as engraved in a catalogue of the company.