I think I have the thing sorted now, via a rather peculiar route but started by someone outside of the forum suggesting this objective was one for the inverted Biostar model. I hadn’t sussed that the optic was from an inverted, so that was a bonus. Someone mentioning the Biostar Inverted had me look...

Pretty sure it is a hoverfly, of the Eristalini group, which have a distinctive prominent loop in the wing vein. You can see this as a droop or drop in the vein. This includes both bumblebee and money bee mimics. Could be the later, of which Eristalis tenax is very widespread.

Just guessing John, is the old PSU an American Optical by any chance, like that for the AO 20?

I am sure there is a sensible explanation for the fact that I have two AO x20 objectives, both phase, and both plan ache NA 0.50 types. However, on my AO 10 and AO 20 one performs much better than the other. The better performing one is Cat No. 1212 and the leseer of the two a Cat No. 1223. They do ...

Worth looking on spiders webs too.

I have that polariser too, and I can tell you that it fits on my Labophot-2, but doesn't fit on the Optiphot 1 I have. The shape is different.

I am guessing the Labophot 1 and Optiphot 1 shared the same fitting.

The Victorian microscope slide makers used great ingenuity in making impressive slides for wealthy microscope users to own and delight in viewing. In an era with no radio or TV, it is sometimes suggested that gathering round the microscope was akin to gathering around the piano. This is one such sli...

There are also two stands as I said in passing and yes with illuminators but everything has been in storage and the working condition of components could be uncertain. The long bellows on one looks damaged for example. I'll post the photos if you are interested in making an offer for the two sets o...

All those condenser inserts, masks etc. but no diascopic illuminator?

AO Model K2172 large area dark field condenser with toric lens. Special model used for viewing large areas, used for objectives of x10 or greater. In centreable mount with two adjusting screws. For Series 10 and 20 microscopes. Complete in original box, and with two funnel stops. PM for details, pic...

I would be happy to help, and I would say for you to PM me, though it may take a while before you are allowed to do this on the forum. Dave, welcome aboard. Your PM privileges are not restricted, so you can PM Photomicro immediately. --Rik Good to know Rik...must be *another* forum I am thinking of...

Yes, I would agree, you get a great deal for your money with second-hand, in terms of quality, adaptability, and expertise around in using it. I too am based in the UK, and there are meetings where there are sales, often run by one or both of the amateur (mostly) societies that exist, the Quekett an...

The plant hairs or scales can make interesting polar objects too.

Only had this one dirty picture to hand, but you get the idea.

Have these been 3-D printed then?

If so, at what sort of cost?

I presume the polarising filter is to cut down reflections. This in itself of course cuts down the light, making it more difficult to get a fast enough shutter speed. I might have missed it, but you don't mention the camera. However, the use of your manual lenses suggest you are not using IS. This i...