Antique Troughton & Simms Theodolite. London, England, Circa 1900

Beautiful antique Troughton & Simms theodolite made in London, England circa 1900 and with a huge decorative power. It is finely preserved but it is not in working order, so we are looking at an exhibition piece only,perfect to enhance a studio, a living room or any special place. The theodolite is big in size (14 in height) and is entirely made of brass. In some moment it was polished. A few component parts (screws) are missing and some other do not remain operational, so the theodolite is not currently in working order. Though, it really retains all its beauty and charm. At the base we can see the manufacturers name engraved in capital letters: TROUGHTON & SIMMS LONDON. This was one of the most prestigious scientific-instrument makers which were active in London between the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 19th. This antique Troughton & Simms theodolite will surely shine in a stylish dining room or as part of a complete collection of fine old-time scientific instruments. Dimensions: Width: 14 in / 35 cm. Height: 13.78 in / 35 cm. Depth: 5.91 in / 15 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.