BAKER

Charles Baker (c1814 – c1893)

The date of the founding of the Charles Baker optical instrument company is not precisely known. In 1841, Baker was employed by George Benton, pawnbroker and silversmith, at 244 High Holborn, London. Benton died in 1842, and in 1845 the lease on 244 High Holborn was advertised for sale. Baker was already established in the shop at 244 High Holborn, producing microscopes and styling himself as an optical and surgical instrument maker although he sold the usual range of mathematical instruments as well. His microscopes were described as both cheap, educational and of good quality. Through the 1860s and 1870s, he was advertising second hand as well as new instruments to be sold from his “Instrument Warehouse” at  243/244  High Holborn, with the offer of taking old instruments in part exchange.
Around 1890, the Curtis family took over the main part of the business but the brands continued into the 20^th century. As well as their own microscopes, the shop sold microscopes from other brands (see advertisement dated 1905). C. Baker Ltd was bought by Vickers in 1963.

See also gracesguide.co.uk/Charles_Baker.