Antique Early 1900s Optical Device W. L. Burnam ' S Mediaometer Museum - Quality Eye
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:27375641 | Maker: Midland Optical Mfg. Co. |
| Time Period Manufactured: Pre-1930 | Original/Reproduction: Original |
Antique Early 1900s W.L. Burnam's Mediaometer, a rather imposing looking refractometer (or keratometer or ophthalmometer?) device used by early eye doctors to conduct exams. The device was used in the early 1900s to measure the diopter of the eye, but devices such as this are no longer used. A tag attached to the instrument shows that it was made by Midland Optical Mfg. Co. of Kansas City, Missouri, and was issued a patent on about July 22, 1903. You can see drawings of this ...device by searching for US Patent No. US735460A, issued to William Lee Burnam. The heavy, cast iron base is finished in black enamel with gold pin striping. Polished nickel pieces stand out against the black enamel. There are handles to adjust the placement of the rear rest and to raise and lower the optical portion of the instrument. A couple of dials allow the eye doctor to adjust settings accordingly. The patent filing provides copious details on the operation of this device, so I'll leave those details there. The device stands about 15" tall (no including disc on end), is about 13" long, and weighs a bit more than 20 pounds.
I am offering FREE SHIPPING within the contiguous United States. Shipping will be expensive, and the device is difficult to pack. Please show mercy and take this into account if you choose to make a "best offer".
This instrument appears to be in Very Good Condition. The device looks complete based on comparisons to patent diagrams, but I have not thoroughly examined every aspect to be certain. The dials and adjustments turn and seem to be working. The adjustment knob on the rear post is slightly bent, but still operates. There is light overall oxidation. There is overall surface scratching consistent with considerable age. Small losses of black enamel here and there, but remarkably preserved.
I am offering FREE SHIPPING within the contiguous United States. Shipping will be expensive, and the device is difficult to pack. Please show mercy and take this into account if you choose to make a "best offer".
This instrument appears to be in Very Good Condition. The device looks complete based on comparisons to patent diagrams, but I have not thoroughly examined every aspect to be certain. The dials and adjustments turn and seem to be working. The adjustment knob on the rear post is slightly bent, but still operates. There is light overall oxidation. There is overall surface scratching consistent with considerable age. Small losses of black enamel here and there, but remarkably preserved.
