Antique W. Watson & Son Surveyor’s Level/Theodolite – circa 1870s with Original Cases

Antique W. Watson & Son Surveyor’s Level/Theodolite – circa 1870s with Original Cases

£325

Good antique condition surveyor's thgeodolite in brass by Watson with original hardwood case and outer leather carry-case and embossed name of former owner Robert Piercy. Optics in reasonably clean condition for their age.

Circa

1870

Maker

W. Watson & Son

Country of manufacture

UK and Ireland

Categories: Scientific, Surveying Instruments & Mining

Description

Offered for sale we have an interesting antique 19th century surveyor’s level/theodolite in brass by W. Watson & Son of 313 High Holborn, London which is numbered 732.  The instrument was formerly the property of civil engineer Robery Piercy (1825-1894) with his name embossed to the outer leather case.  As you will see from the copy of Robert Piercy’s obituary as published by the Institute of Civil Engineers, he was involved in the construction of railways connected to coal mining in Wales and later overseas in Sardinia and India.

 
As for the date of this instrument, it’s certainly pre-1882 when the second son of the founder William Watson joined the company, so in 1882 the firm became W. Watson & Sons – so my dating estimate is 1870s, which fits with the likely career timeline of its former owner and the instrument is likely to have accompanied him overseas with his work on railways in Sardinia and India.
 
Surveyor’s levels are used primarily to establish horizontal planes and measure elevations (height differences) and the theodolite measures angles both horizontal and vertical.
 
Note:  the outer leather case is in good general condition, however the fastening straps are damaged to both sides as shown, otherwise the instrument and its cases are in good period condition, considering their age and their overseas travels during the late 19th century.
 
The instrument and case will be well wrapped for shipping.
 
Thanks for looking.

 

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GB Arcboutant Scientific

Arcboutant Scientific based in Glasgow Scotland, with an interest in scientific collectables dating back to 1988. Now making available carefully curated fine examples, principally of antique microscopes and associated scientific equipment by quality English and Continental makers, to collectors world-wide.

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