Vintage COOKE TROUGHTON & SIMMS Surveyors Transit Level Theodolite & Plumb Bob

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Vintage COOKE TROUGHTON & SIMMS Surveyors Transit Level Theodolite & Plumb Bob Ref: NE This is a nice Surveyors Transit Level or Theodolite?? made by COOKE, TROUGHTON & SIMMS of London - c. 1925. The instrument comes in it's original leather case, with plumb bob and line. I am uncertain what this instrument was used for, or what it should be called, but I can confirm that it is made of brass and overall in pretty good condition. I would therefore be grateful if someone could provide some additional information about this item. It comprises a 3 1/2" diameter compass, with inset spirit level and telescope on a hinged angle mount, with scale in degrees 90-0-90. The instrument sits on three adjustable legs for levelling and has a female threaded connector (1 5/8" internal diameter) for installation on a tripod. As far as I can tell the instrument is mechically complete, with no missing parts. The telescope section is in good condition with the cross hairs still intact. The optics give a surprisingly clear/bright image (albeit upside down) with just a few specks of dust internally, but no fungus. The silvered compass dial is in good condition, as is the spirit level, which still contains oil. Whilst the compass needle needs to be coaxed to swing, once balanced it seems to work okay. There is some age related wear to the blackened finish and paint chips, mainly to the edges and highspots, but nothing you would not expect for an instrument of this vintage. The compass needle locking mechanism still works perfectly by turning the small thumbscrew in the rim. The angle adjustment of the telescope also works perfectly and can be locked at any angle by loosening/tightening the large thumbscrew, which goes through the hinge. The whole instrument can be rotated on it's mounting and locked into position by loosening/tightening another thumbscrew, positioned horizontally on the mounting. There is another thumbscrew adustment mounted vertically, immediately under the compass, which I think should rotate the scaled (360 degree) section, via a rack/pinion mechanism. Whilst this adjustment does "just about" function - it is extremely stiff, to the point where it is almost locked solid. I guess this section needs to be dismantled to trace the cause; my guess is that once cleaned/lubricated, it will be okay, but please bear this in mind when bidding. The level comes with it's original Plumb Bob and line. The line probably needs to be replaced, but otherwise the two part Plumb Bob is in good condition and still screw together fits the case perfectly. The fitted hard leather case is showing obvious signs of wear/use, but has a nice age related patina and is still physically complete, retaining it's original buckle and straps. As with all leatherwork of this vintage, care should be excercised, as physical strength cannot be guaranteed. Photographs form a very important part of my description and therefore bidders are advised to study them carefully and to contact me for any additional information they may need. This item will be sent by Overnight Carrier within the UK. I ship worldwide, but please note that this item, will exceed the maximum weight limit (2kgs) imposed by Royal Mail on all "Airmail Small Packet" services and therefore will be sent overseas by International Carrier, such as Fedex or Parcelforce. If shipping to a particular destination is not listed, please contact me for a shipping quote as costs may vary, even between neighbouring countries. CUSTOMER SERVICE We take customer satisfaction very seriously and always strive to provde a Five Star service. Consequently, we would ask any buyer who feels unable to leave positive comments with Five Stars in each category to contact us before leaving feedback to discuss how we may address any issues and improve our future service. POST & PACKING Most ite ms we sell are antique or vintage and often fragile and/or valuable; we therefore take extra care with packing to ensure items ... read more

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