Reichert Microscope Serial Numbers

Every item with a serial number requires its own individual RMA number. The RMA is a number that tracks your repair through the factory. It also provides the factory address for where the instrument should be shipped. Can I have a service tech come to my office? Classic Reichert microscope. A fine deco style microscope signed on the tube, 'Reichert, Wein, Nr. 231790, made in Austria'. The serial number dates it to circa 1952. It stands 12' tall in closed position. Coarse focus is rack and pinion, with fine focus via dual micrometer knobs. All are working perfectly. Serial numbers engraved on antique and vintage microscopes may allow to date the instruments to a good level of accuracy, although some makers used serial numbers in a somewhat inconsistent way. HERE are several plots that may help dating microscopes of some important makers (Bausch & Lomb, James Smith, Smith Beck & Beck, RJ Beck, Leitz.

Serial Numbers Microsoft
Reichert Microscope Serial Numbers Lookup
Reichert Wien Microscope Serial Numbers
Reichert Microscope Serial Numbers Lookup

AO (American Optical) SpencerMicroscope Manuals and Catalogs

Ok, what is going on here . . .?

I'm a microscope enthusiast and amateurmicroscopist, if you will, and the microscopes that I own (OK, that I couldafford :-) although it would be hard to buy something really better-- they are excellent!) are AO (American Optical ) or AO Spencermicroscopes. Because these instruments all date from the 1950's and 1960'sor before, information on them is becomingharder and harder to find . . . so here you go!

*What Are You Looking for?*
AO/Spencer Microscope Manuals and Catalogs?	Below, on this page -- scroll down.
To Learn A Little AO Spencer History?(Including finding out the date of manufacture of your scope from the serial number)	Try Here.
AReference of AO/Spencer Objectives?	Click Here.
AReference of AO/Spencer Eyepieces?	See Here.
A Reference of AO/Spencer Bulbs for Your Scope?	Right Here.
Repair Tips for AO Microscopes?	Click Here.
Some 'Odd and Ends' Information on AO/Spencer Scopes?	Try Here.
Manuals and Catalogs of Other Manufacturers (Zeiss, Leitz, B&L, etc.)?	Check Gordon's site Here.If you happen to have a Zeiss-Jena Microscope then go here. Leitz Pol microscope info -- don't miss here. A new resource has appeared for Leitz owners! Don't misshere. Hereis a resource for Olympus microscope owners.
Information on Polarizing, Petrographic, and Geological Microscopes of all brands	See Greg McHone's wonderful site here for manuals, catalogs, and guidance on many models and manufacturers.
Advice on Buying a Microscope?	Try Microbe Hunter Here.
Advice on Microscopy and Using Your Microscope?
You should read Micscape every month for fascinating articles on the world of amateur microscopy.	The encyclopedia of all microscope knowledge on the web is Molecular Expressions -- spend some time there if you can.
Many knowledgeable microscope enthusiasts frequent Group.io's 'Microscope'forum. If you need to locate a manual for particular microscope, or just need help with pretty much any microscope related issue, join theforum (it's free!), leave a message, and they often can help or direct you to a source of help.	Also visit and query the AmateurMicroscopy net which also is frequented by knowledgeable enthusiasts and, asa bonus, contains arguably the best photomicrography found anywhere in the world(professional or amateur!).
Robert Bagnell's 'Light Microscopy', a text for his Pathology 164 course at the UNC School of Medicine, is a very excellent, complete, on-line book on microscopy.	Zeiss's 'Microscopy from the very beginning' is another excellent introduction to modern microscopy (note: download the pdf brochure).
Looking for advice on cleaning your microscope's optics? First, see the excellent page here. Remember though that the cement used in microscope optics changed greatly over the years and you should definitely consult the manufacturer's directions in the manual for your specific microscope. The Zeiss document, 'The Clean Microscope', can be found here (download the brochure)). Again, though, for AO Microscopes, what cleaning agent to use shouldn't be a mystery because recommendations are given by AO in the manuals for your specific scope as found below.
Viewing an excellent online video:Imaging the Hidden World: the Light Microscope (1984)by Bruce Russell will give you a good idea of what to expect from microscopy as a hobby. View it! You'll enjoy it I promise.
'What about books?' someone might ask. A. For microscopy as a hobby in general, you can't do much better than Werner Nachtigall's 'Exploring with the Microscope'. This book is out of print but there are almost always used, as new, copies for sale either on eBay or from bookfinder.com for less than $30. *It really is a 'must have'.* B. For learning about the microscope and how to use it, and what to buy, etc., in my opinion you can't do better than Dave Jackson's 'Better Microscopy -- Vols 1 & 2 Special Combined Edition' for $22 from lulu.com. *Get it!* No hobbyist (and maybe a professional or two too ;-) ) should be without this book . C. For the history of the microscope, and lots of insights into why things evolved as they have, Hartley's 'The Light Microscope: It's Use and Development' is the ultimate resource. Unfortunately, it is usually very expensive, but watch on bookfinder.com . . . sometimes you can find one for less than $50. D. Don't missRobert Bagnells 'Light Microsopy'. . an online book that is very excellent and quite advanced. E. For a very detailed, and expert, look at instruments in use in the 1950s, and early '60s -- an era in which many hobbyists' scopes were manufactured -- George Needham's 'The Practical Use of the Microscope' reigns supreme. Look for it on bookfinder.com. Used copies can often be had for less than $50.

Note: Many of these files were furnishedto me by Robert Tolley, after I had contributed a Darkfield manual and the newerSeries 10 manual, who in-turn, received it from others, so I believe that many amateurs have probably contributed tothis collection over the years. I have since tried to add to it asdocuments or scans have been kindly sent to me, or I have been able to bid onthem on eBay.

I am searching for an AO Series 2 or Series 4reference manual,if you have one, please contact me

1. The AO Series 10Manual:

A. The 1965 version,in the form of a beautifully scanned pdf, has been kindly contributed by Tom Woods.

B. The 1967 version is available at Gordon'ssite in two parts: parta & partb. Also this pdf versioncontributed by Carl Hunsinger.

C. The1969 version is available right here (2.98 MB). Also this pdf versioncontributed by Carl Hunsinger.

D. The1974 version is also available right here (2.52MB). Also this pdf versioncontributed by Carl Hunsinger.

Note: The Dual Viewing Adapter Manual is available here.

2. TheAO Series 10 Catalog (3.65 MB). Also this pdf versionof the 1974 catalog kindly contributed by Carl Hunsinger.

3 TheAO Series 10 Darkfield Manual (0.65 MB). Alsothis pdf versionkindly contributed by Carl Hunsinger. Mickey Makay contributed this earlier pdf version from the 'black scope' era of the 1940's.

4. TheAO Series 10 PhaseStar Manual (8.01 MB pdf fromwww.science-info.org/micro/docs/AO-Spenser/)

5. 1974- 1975AO Series 10 PhaseStar Catalog (1.92 MB)

B. The 1966 PhaseStar Catalog and Price List(courtesy of Gary Bennett)

6. TheAO Cycloptic Manuals:

A. 1962 Reference Manual (1.64 MB)

B.1977 Reference Manual (13.96 MB pdf file, courtesy of EldredSpell.)

C. CyclopticDual Viewing Addendum (0.2 MB)

Make sure you read R. Jordan Kreindler'sMicscape article on the Cycloptic.

7. TheAO Cycloptic Catalogs and Sales Brochures:

A. The1962 version (4.20 MB).

B. The1975 version (3.15 MB).

C. The 1967 version in two parts: Pages 1 - 19 & Pages 20 - 36 (both kindly provided by Gary Bennett). Also this pdf versionkindly contributed by Carl Hunsinger.

D. 1985 Sales Brochure (Reichert),1985 price list (Reichert), and1988 Sales Brochure (Reichert-Jung) (all courtesy of Tom Woods)

8. TheAO Series 2 & 4 Catalog (4.64 MB).

9 The AO Series 2& 4 PhaseStar Manual (1.45 MB)

10. The AO Series 2 & 4PhaseStar Catalog (0.98 MB)

11. TheEffective Use and Proper Care of the Microscope note: Amust read!

This book wasrevised and republished over the years as AO Spencer's microscope lineevolved. There are:

The 1941 edition (7.44 MB)	EldredSpell has kindly contributed this edition which features the earlier black scopes such as the Model 33.
The 1949 & 1954 edition (5.30 MB):	These editions are identical (i.e. the 1954 edition was simply re-published from the 1949 edition) and feature the newer black scopes such as the Series 35, Scholar's Microscope, etc.
The 1956 edition & 1958 edition (5.40 MB)	These editions are identical (thanks to Jason Raitano for sharing scans of his 1956 edition to compare with my 1958 example). Features the MicroStar Series 2 & 4 'gray' scopes and associated accessories and models.
The 1959 & 1960 editions	Rumored versions . . . I have not seen them to confirm.

Why am I trying to get acopy of multiple versions? Unreasoned obsession? No . . . well maybe:-) . . . the reason one might want a specific year is that it containsinstructions for a certain range of microscope models. I believe thatduring the years above, these are the only 'users manuals' AO Spencer providedfor their microscopes.

12. TheAO Series 15 & 35 Catalog (1.97 MB)

13. TheAO Series 15 & 35 Phase Catalog (1.81 MB)

Also:Directions For Use of Spencer Phase Turret Condenser (For No. 8M Phase Microscope, and No. 15M or No. 35M Medical Microscopes).

14. Dealer's Catalogs:

14a.TheAO Blue Book (25.2 MB). note: It's 208 pages!, but this is a famouspublication you should see! (Note: Tom Woods contributedthis 'errata' sheet from his personal copy of the 'Blue Book')

14b. Similar to the Blue Book, Humboldt State University offers a scan of the'AO Scientific Instruments Catalog' (circa 1950). Note: This is an as yet incomplete, but slowly growing, earlier (ca 1950) version of The Red Book in 14c below.

14c. The AO Red Book -- 1955. Contributed by Dave Jackson. A famous successor to the Blue Book above in 14a.

14d. The microscope pages from the1955 Macalaster Bicknell Company catalog -- a laboratory supply dealer.

15. ISaw Them Making Microscopes (1.24 MB) note: This is a 20-page 'walk through'of the AO Spencer plant in 1937.

16.The Microscope - Construction, Use, andCare 1926 (6.25 MB) note: This scanned booklet courtesy of EldredSpell. Also, Steven Melamut kindly scanned the copy that came with his Duke Medical School Spencer No. 44 scope. Pdf is here.

17. AOSeries 40 Teaching Stereo Catalog (0.67 MB).

18. AOSeries 40 Teaching Stereo Manual (1.63 MB).

18b. AO Series 40 Dealer Service Manual (6.2 MB)

19. SpencerMedical Microscopes:

A. 1935? (a guess) (0.89 MB) note: a sales brochure featuring brochure featuring models 13MH and 33MH scopes.

B.1937 (2.1 MB)note: sales brochure, a few more bits of information added to the above, plus more pictures.

C. 1955 note: much newer version showcasing the model 15, etc. (this brochure courtesy ofDave Jackson)

20. SpencerMicroscope Accessories (1.91 MB) note: 18 pages long; it seems to be asubset of the AO Blue Book (above).

21. SpencerLamps (0.94 MB) note: 10 pages long; published Feb of 1935, and describesSpencer Microscope Lamp offerings.

22. Spencer'How to Use and Care for the Microscope' (1.78 MB) -- 30 pages, most probably from1910. Features the Series 45 and 20.

23. Spencer, The Evolution of the Microscope

A. 1938 (3.05 MB) note: This scanned booklet courtesy of EldredSpell.

B. 1957 (5.30 MB) note: This scanned booklet courtesy ofMatt Brin

24. Spencer 1943 'The Use of Polarizing Microscopes (3.52 MB)

25.Three American Microscope Builders, a publication of AO Spencer in 1943 (35MB pdf file), and about microscope builders Charles Spencer, Robert Tolles, and Herbert Spencer. (note: This document is housed onEldred Spell's site).

26.Stereoscopic Microscope Reference Manual -- Series 20, 21, 23, 25, 26, 27, and 28. A 1967 American Optical publication, written by Oscar W. Richards. note: This document courtesy of Matt Brin.

27.Spencer Research Microscopes, catalog M-66, dated May,1935 andaccompanying price list. note: These documents courtesy of Tom Woods

A very nice 'on-line'AO Series 20 Microscope Manual can be found here,and another one herein pdf format (6.8 MB -- includes the phase manual too).

Looking for AO Series 150 Microscopedocumentation? See the manualand the catalog(dated 03/75) in pdf format.

I also have a newer, but much smaller, catalogproduced under the AO/Reichert name (dated 05/85) that I can send you if you'd like.

Also, see Bill Resch's article on Micscape for an example of refurbing a 150.

I also have scanned images of the following (listed in no particular order).

Note: for those files without live links, ifyou send me an email I will email them to you, or at least provide a link to them from this site from which you can download them -- no problem.

Serial Numbers Microsoft

Catalogs:	Catalogs (cont.):	Manuals:	Manuals (cont.):	Other:
Spencer Lens Co. 1924 Catalog	AO Series 10 Fluorescence Catalog	AO 635 Camera Reference Manual	Reference Manual: PolarStar Series 2300, N2300, L2300	Reichert 'Principles of Phase Contrast' Bulletin
Spencer Lens Co. 1929 Catalog	H10 and H20 FluoreStar Vertical Illum. Catalog	AO 682 Camera Reference Manual	Reference Manual: AO StereoStar/Zoom (1979)	Image of complete AO-Baker Interference Microscope(at Gordon's site - see also closely related manual here)
Spencer Lens Co., ca 1930, announcement of the 'New Low Fine Adjustment'(courtesy of David Rose)	AO 10 PhaseStar L10 & H20 Catalog	AO Filar Micrometer Eyepieces Manual	Parts Manual: AO StereoStar/Zoom (1979)	Instructions for the Model 1573 Micro-glide Stage 'F' for Series 60(courtesy of Eldred Spell)
AO DIC and DICV catalog	AO 10 Epi-Lume Catalog	AO StereoStar Manual (1975)	Reference Manual: AO Spencer Fluorolume Illuminator model 645	Procedure for replacing optics on the AO-Baker Interference Microscope
AO Reichert HB Meter Catalog	AO 10 FluoreStar H20 & V20 Catalog	Reichert StereoStar Manual (1990)	Reference Manual: No. 637 StereoCamera	Installation Instructions: Model 44 Transilluminating Base Kit
Reichert Microstar IV Catalog	AO Series 20 Catalog	AO 10 Dual Viewing Adapter Manual	Reference Manual: Photomicrographic Cameras 682, 684, 1070	Optical Alignment Procedure: Single Phase outfit No. 1206PPL for Series 110/120
Reichert Darkfield Colony Counter Catalog	AO Reichert 100 Catalog	AO Series 60 Manual	Reference Manual: MetalStar 2200 Metallurgical Microscope (courtesy of Jay Stanley)	Series 10 & 20: Instructions for using a Miller disc for counting reticulocytes
AO Reichert Water Bath Shaker Catalog	AO Series 110 Catalog	'AO ExpoStar Manual' (i.e. Photomicrographic Cameras models 1052F, 1053F, and 1055F Reference Manual) combined with the ExpoStar and PhotoStar catalogs	Reference Manual: Photomicrographic Cameras 1052B, 1053B, 1055B	Looking for instructions on reticles? Look Here
AO Reichert BioStar Inverted Catalog	AO Series 110 & 120 PhaseStar Catalog (1.7MB zip file)	AO Series 110 Manual	Reference Manual: Photomicrographic Systems for No. 580 StereoStar	AO PolStar (Series 110/120) Polarizing Microscope Brochure(6.37 MB pdf from www.science-info.org/micro/docs/AO-Spenser/)
AO Reichert Product Review Forensic Catalog	AO Series 110 Objective Catalog	AO Series 120 Manual	Reference Manual: AO ExpoStar Shutter Control no. 1190	AO Preventative Maintenance Check-list
Reichert Hemacytometer Catalog	AO Series 150 Catalog	AO Series 160 Manual	Reference Manual: AO Photomicrographic cameras 679, 680	AO Series 10/20 MicroStar Dual-View Ad and Price List(courtesy of Gary Bennett)
AO Reichert TS-Meter Catalog	AO Reichert 150 Catalog	TV Camera Adapters for Diastar and Microstar IV -- Cat#'s 1900 and 1900T(courtesy of Jay Stanley)	Reference Manual: Series 1860 Industrial Microscope	1967 Series 10/11 MicroStar Price List(courtesy of Gary Bennett)
AO Polanret Catalog	AO Reichert 151 Phase Catalog(courtesy of Gene Goldsand)	Effective Use and Proper Care of the AO Microtome - 1975(courtesy of Jay Stanley) -- 12.6MB pdf file	Parts Manual: Series 1860 Industrial Microscope	AO Cycloptic Internal Illuminator Ad(courtesy of Gary Bennett)
AO UltraStar Catalog	AO Reichert 151 Catalog	Effective Use and Proper Care of the AO Microtome -- 1959 (includes models 815, 820, and 860)(courtesy of Stephen Rozak) -- 16.2MB pdf file	Reference Manual: Series 110/120 PhaseStar(courtesy of Eldred Spell)	AO Cycloptic Swing-Out Lens Ad(courtesy of Gary Bennett)
AO ExpoStar and PhotoStar Camera Catalogs, combined with the 'AO ExpoStar Manual'	AO Reichert 160 Catalog	'Key to Oil and Grease Points on the AO 820 Microtome'(courtesy of Stephen Rozak)	Reference Manual: AO No. 2053 Fluorescence Lampholder(courtesy of Eldred Spell)	Duo-Star Comparison Microscope Ad(courtesy of Gary Bennett)
AO Starlight Microprojector Catalog	AO Reichert 310 Catalog	Photomicrographic Equipment Reference Manual(Series 4 era (late '50s) at Gordon's site)	Reference Manual: Dual Viewing Teaching Microscopes models DN50, DN60	AO Twin-View Stereomicroscopic Microscope Ad(courtesy of Gary Bennett)
AO StereoStar/Zoom Catalog (1975, with '75 and '77 price lists)	AO 820 Rotary Microtome Catalog	AO Cycloptic Photographic Tube Adapter (Model No. 638) Reference Manual (courtesy of Jay Stanley)	Reference Manual: TV Camera Adapters Cat# 1056 & 1056T -- Series 110/120(courtesy of Eldred Spell)	Spencer Polarizing Microscopes Price Lists 1945 1947(courtesy of Tom Woods)
AO StereoStar/Zoom Catalog (1982)	AO Orthophot Guide and Catalog (courtesy of Jay Stanley)	AO50 Reference Manual (and Parts Manual)	AO Cat# 3050 Military Field Scope (3.7 MB zip file)(courtesy of Wallace Kelley)
Reichert DiaStar Catalog	1967 Series 10/11 MicroStar Catalog(courtesy of Gary Bennett)	The Spencer Bright-Line Haemacytometer ( 4.84MB zip file)*	AO 1152 & 1191 Analyzer Turret & 1153 Polarizer/Full Wave Plate (courtesy of Mike Lafleur)
AO Reichert Product Review Catalog	AO Desk-type Mettalograph(courtesy of Gary Bennett)	AO 820 Microtome Reference Manual(courtesy of Melanie Schori) Instruction sheet for the No. 829 attachment for the AO 820 microtome (courtesy of William Porter)	AO 110 Dealer Service Manual
AO Utility Microscope Catalog(courtesy of Gary Bennett)	AO Photomicrographic Cameras -- models 682 and 1070 Catalog(courtesy of Gary Bennett)	AO 45 Dealer Service Manual	AO 150 & 160 Dealer Service Manual
AO Cycloptic Model 638 Photographic Tube Adapter(courtesy of Gary Bennett)	1967 AO Fluorescence Microscope and Illuminator Catalog(courtesy of Gary Bennett)	AO 100 Dealer Service Manual	AO Stereoscopic Micro 23-25-26-27-28 Reference Manual (from 1969, slim, not a lot of info)
1967 Stereo Star Zoom Catalog 1967 Stereo Star Price List (both courtesy of Gary Bennett)	Spencer Polarizing Microscopes Catalog 1946(courtesy of Tom Woods)	AO 100 Reference Manual	'Info from the inside cover of an American Optical 820 microtome serial 18166'(courtesy of Mark Phillips) -- jpg or rtf
Reichert Univar Manual(dated 11/1975, courtesy of William Porter who translated it from German)	Reichert Vertical Illuminator for Incident Light Fluorescence. Models: 2017M, 2071MP, 2017H, and 2071HP(courtesy of Tom Woods)

*Note: Haemacytometers are useful for counting many types of cells other than blood cells. See: http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~bioslabs/methods/microscopy/cellcounting.html and/orhttp://oregonstate.edu/~weisv/Protocols/Symbiodinium/Cell%20Counts.pdf. Also, a heamacytometer can be used as a very usefulstage micrometer.

Ever see a Telegraph code in a catalog?! The1924 and 1929 catalogs have them:

See the AO Series 10 'dual view' in the Dickies Catalog -- clickHere.

Hereis an article I wrote for Micscapeon adapting a Heine Condenser to an AO Series 10.

What science-minded youngsters dreamt about in 1910 (below) . . . 'The handiest,handsomest microscope on the market'

Ad from the Ohio Journal of Science, 1960, featuring aSeries 4 Phasestar on an Ortho Illuminator (courtesy of James Bosley).