Northwestern Europe, England, London, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. This is a fine antique brass and glass theodolite or land surveying instrument by the Stanley & Co. of London to measure angles for building and construction. The instrument rests on a sturdy ring base that supports 3 tripodal legs that can be raised via screws so that the horizontal plane of the tribrach or plate is adjustable. The tribrach has a compass, bubble level, and the azimuth and elevation axes are measured with a vernier scale on either side via built-in magnify lenses. The telescope is on an articulating bracket that swivels and rotates on an axis, and a vertical disc contains another pair of vernier scales, magnifying lens, a second bubble level, and a mirror. The brass lens cap is attached and most parts and knobs: swivel, articulate, and / or rotate, and the bubble levels and compass function. Size: 5" L x 5.5" W x 13.75" H (12.7 cm x 14 cm x 34.9 cm)

Provenance: private Ventura County, California, USA collection

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#168801

Mirror base is repaired and reattached with adhesive just above the screws, the rest of the instrument is intact. Use and age-related wear- surface nicks and abrasions. Compass and bubble levels still function, but the surveying ability has not been tested, Telescope lens is intact, and all pieces are adjustable. Dark patina and toning throughout.