British military theodolite / surveyor's level by Cooke Troughton and Simms of York in its original metal case.
£225
A fine WW2 period British military issue theodolite / surveyor's level by Cooke Troughton and Simms of York in its original metal case. Green painted optical body on fully adjustable precision base with micrometre adjustable elevation and traverse wheels. Bubble and spirit levels to the left side to set the instrument up and post sights to the top to allow rough alignment of the cross hairs on the target to be measured, a useful feature as the image in the eye piece is inverted making alignment tricky for these not used to such instruments. Signed to the right side of the body B3108 next to an Ordnance Broad Arrow ownership mark and COOKE TROUGHTON & SIMMS Ltd YORK ENGLAND No.42722. In its original grey painted metal transit box with original plastic oil bottle, blued steel adjustment tool and small spanner. The lid with WD stores label W10/VC/1121 LEVELS TELESCOPIC 8” NO. 2 W/O TRIPOD QTY1, with leather carry handle and strap retained key to undo the transit case closing screws. Set up in 1922 Cooke Troughton and Simms later became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vickers Ltd, by the 1930s, it had become a highly regarded maker of precision scientific and optical equipment and from 1939 onwards it became a key supplier for the British war effort, these levels being vital instruments for the use of the Royal Engineers and Ministry of Works surveyors during the execution of engineering works both on the battlefield and at home as new factories etc. were put up at record pace to meet the demands of the war economy. In fine condition with nice clear image, excellent mechanics and almost all original green paint finish in a nice case with the scarce accessories present. A good example of a military engineering tool from the WW2 period of the type used until the invention of modern GPS surveying equipment in the later years of the cold war.
