LeFebvre surveyor's level
Datecirca 1740
Inventory Number5217
ClassificationSurveyor's Level
Subject
Maker
Jean Lefebvre (II)
1690 - 1740
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions27 × 15 × 30.5 cm (10 5/8 × 5 7/8 × 12 in.)
blue board box: 20.3 × 34.6 × 26 cm (8 × 13 5/8 × 10 1/4 in.)
blue board box: 20.3 × 34.6 × 26 cm (8 × 13 5/8 × 10 1/4 in.)
Material
Accessorieswooden display stand
DescriptionBrass surveyor's level composed of the following major parts: telescope tube; spirit level; thin level bar with single leveling screw; socket mount; wooden display stand.
The telescope tube is square in cross-section and undecorated, except for the engraved name of the maker. Both the eyepiece and the objective end of the tube are circular and decorated with multiple rings.
A spirit level is bolted to the side of the telescope tube. The brass framing the single oval glass window is decoratively cut out, with scalloping at the center and arrow-shaped ends.
Below the telescope tube, extending from the eyepiece end just past the center, is a thin brass bar. Through the bar at the end nearest the center of the telescope tube is a single leveling screw with a teardrop-shaped knob.
The level bar is attached by a ball and socket joint to a brass staff mount. A key-shaped knob projects horizontally to the mount.
The level is mounted on a wooden display stand, painted black with a circular base.
The telescope tube is square in cross-section and undecorated, except for the engraved name of the maker. Both the eyepiece and the objective end of the tube are circular and decorated with multiple rings.
A spirit level is bolted to the side of the telescope tube. The brass framing the single oval glass window is decoratively cut out, with scalloping at the center and arrow-shaped ends.
Below the telescope tube, extending from the eyepiece end just past the center, is a thin brass bar. Through the bar at the end nearest the center of the telescope tube is a single leveling screw with a teardrop-shaped knob.
The level bar is attached by a ball and socket joint to a brass staff mount. A key-shaped knob projects horizontally to the mount.
The level is mounted on a wooden display stand, painted black with a circular base.
Signedengraved in script on side of telescope tube: Le Febvre Paris
Curatorial RemarksImages B501009, B501010 may be deleted. These are duplicated (in better exposure) in B501424, B501425.;
This object was previously numbered DW0354.
FunctionFor use in surveying, to measure contours.
After mounting the instrument on a tripod at his starting location, the user levels the instrument by means of the spirit level and leveling screw. Then he sights a stadia rod through the telescope, moving the rod as needed until the target is centered behind the telescope's cross hairs. The difference in height between the sights and the rod target indicates the gain in elevation over the horizontal distance between the two.
After mounting the instrument on a tripod at his starting location, the user levels the instrument by means of the spirit level and leveling screw. Then he sights a stadia rod through the telescope, moving the rod as needed until the target is centered behind the telescope's cross hairs. The difference in height between the sights and the rod target indicates the gain in elevation over the horizontal distance between the two.
ProvenanceDavid Wheatland purchased from Alain Brieux, Paris, May 3, 1968 (lot 31/9). Donated to CHSI February 1977.
Johann Christoph Voigtländer
Date: circa 1754
Accessories: wooden display stand
Object number: DW0806
James E. Moody
Date: circa 1880
Accessories: mahogany case; sunshade; dust cap; tripod (5141b)
Object number: 5141a
Etienne Lenoir
Date: circa 1830
Accessories: T-shaped mahogany case; knob for socket mount
Object number: 5214
Buff & Berger
Date: circa 1880
Accessories: mahogany case; sunshade; screws; dust cover; tripod (5144b)
Object number: 5144a
C. L. Berger & Sons
Date: circa 1902
Accessories: pine case with lock (key not found); screwdriver; leather strap; sunshade; dust cover; tripod (see 5161b)
Object number: 5161a
Iszard-Warren Co., Inc.
Date: circa 1910
Accessories: mahogany case with brass corners and lock; key missing; leather strap; screwdriver; dust cover; sunshade; tripod, see 5150b
Object number: 5150a
William Cary
Date: 1825-1850
Accessories: oak case with brass hinges and hooks; plastic wrapping
Object number: 5220
Buff & Berger
Date: circa 1880
Accessories: mahogany case; sunshade; screws; dust cover
Object number: 5143a
See also/See also
