English Theodolite, 1930's

This lovely English vernier theodolite was made by prestigious surveying and drawing instruments brand Stanley, located in London. It dates from the 1930s and is a highly remarkable piece because of its strikingly good condition and working order. The theodolite keeps all its original components, fully operational, and preserves also the black enamel that covers the metal frame. The polished brass pieces are also functional and in good condition. The instrument bears the engraved serial number 56095 over the inscription MADE IN ENGLAND. It comes in its original case with mahogany wooden box and plywood lid with mahogany finish. The case keeps the lock and the key designed to lock the box.The brand that made this elegant instrument was founded by William Ford Robinson Stanley in 1854, in order to manufacture precision drawing and mathematical instruments. William Ford R. Stanley got seventy eight patents in both the United Kingdom and the United States of America. He was an engineer that from 1865 specialized in improving the design and stability of previous precision instrument, focusing mainly on theodolites. Stanley simplified these devices mechanism and added the classical Stanley U frame. He also reduced to less than half of the 226 component parts used in the previous version. This way he made theodolites lighter, cheaper and more functional.The model we can see in these images bears the engraved inscription THE ELTHAM STANLEY LONDON, words that testify for the instruments manufacturing. It features a vernier reading system that substitutes the classical micrometer system. The two graduations are equipped with verniers; a vernier is an auxiliary graduation placed alongside the main one with the purpose of determining fractions of the graduation unit. Both are equipped with magnifying glasses for more comfortable reading. The theodolite has also two original bubble levels in optimal condition. The case where the instrument can be stored is also well preserved, boasting nice and slim dovetail joints at the corners. As stated before, it keeps the original lock and key in perfect working order.This wonderful English theodolite is a precision piece, full of scientific interest and aesthetical beauty. It is surely an item worthy of the best museum of technology.Measurement: Bases Width: 18 cm/7.09 in. Height: 32 cm/12.6 in. Lenght of Telescope: 25 cm/9.8 in.