Spencer Lens Co.

Spencer Lens Company was founded by Herbert R. Spencer (1849-1900) in 1895. The company was the continuation of the firm established in the 1840s by his father, Charles A. Spencer (1813-1881), who is considered one of the the first American microscope makers.

In 1935, it was bought by the American Optical Company, and became a subsidiary. For several years after the acquisition, the Spencer Lens Company continued operation under its own name before becoming known as the Instrument Division of American Optical Company in 1945.