Antique Troughton & Simms Theodolite. England, Circa 1920

Outstanding antique Theodolite signed by Throughton & Simms, in really good condition and preserving all the original component parts and pieces. The theodolite was made in England by the prestigious scientific-instrument manufacturer, which was located in London. It is dated circa 1920 and comes in its original solid-mahogany wooden case. Though being almost one hundred years old, the theodolite shows off a strikingly good condition and remains in working order. The great amount of delicate parts, grears, keys and screws that make up the mechanism is really awesome. They are made of brass and create a fine contrast with the matt-grey metal structure. The theodolite mounts a sturdy base with level-adjustment screws. Over this base we can see two similar parallel pieces which support the top cradle with the telescope and the original bubble level. One of the metal pieces bears the engraved manufacturing companys name, TROUGHTON & SIMMS LTD. LONDON, as well as the instruments serial number, Nº 21118. The theodolite comes with an accessory set including a plumb with its cord, a brass winding key, a lens and an eyepiece. The whole set can be stored in the antique mahogany case, which inside mounts a series of green-felt-covered wooden pieces that enable a perfect storing of the instrument and the accessories. This fascinating antique Troughton & Simms theodolite is a good sample of the high-quality scientific instruments made by the iconic brand, which once was the official supplier of the Greenwich Observatory. Measurements (Case): Width: 7 in / 18 cm. Height: 18.9 in / 48 cm.Troughton & Simms History Troughton & Simms was a British scientific-instrument manufacturing company founded in London in 1826 by Edward Troughton and William Simms. Throughton had already owned a similar business that he inherited from his father. On the other hand, Simms had trained as a goldsmith and worked dividing circled for fine astronomic instruments. When Simms died in 1860 his part of the business was assumed by his son James and his nephew William. The Troughton & Simms shop was located in Fleet Street and it eventually became the focal pont of the best scientific instrument manufacture in London. Among their customers were the Greenwich Observatory and the famous surveying and exploring expeditions of the time. Nevertheless and in spite of the great reputation of their quality instruments, the company received many complaints from their customers because of their delays in delivering the instruments (delays that could last for years). In 1915 the business became a limited company and in 1922 it merged with T. Cooke & Sons, becoming Cooke, Troughton and Simms.