Beaulieu surveyor's level
Datecirca 1850
Inventory Number5222
ClassificationLevel
Subject
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensionslevel: 13 × 16.4 × 27.9 cm (5 1/8 × 6 7/16 × 11 in.)
case: 12.3 × 35 × 22.7 cm (4 13/16 × 13 3/4 × 8 15/16 in.)
case: 12.3 × 35 × 22.7 cm (4 13/16 × 13 3/4 × 8 15/16 in.)
Material
Accessoriespine case with brass hinges, hooks, and locks; small mahogany (?) box for spirit level; brass sun shade
DescriptionBrass surveyor's level consisting of the following major components (from top to bottom): spirit level; telescope tube; and three leveling screws.
The spirit level is bolted to a brass bar having a hole for mounting at its center. The spirit level has a single rectangular glass window, onto which two unmarked scales, each having ten divisions, are etched.
The telescope tube has a knurled eyepiece. Fitted around the tube near the eyepiece end is a brass ring, from which two brass pins project. A third pin projects downward from the tube itself, just inside the brass ring. Two square bronze plates fitted around the tube act as bearing supports in contact with the level bar. On opposite sides of the center of the tube are two mounting columns: one column the tube on the level bar (see below); the other secures the spirit level to the telescope tube. Bolted to the side of the tube near the objective end is a single knurled brass knob.
The telescope tube sits on a level bar in the shape of a wheel with six spokes. Below this are three leveling screws, each threaded through a brass arm projecting from the vertical spindle. The round knob on top of each screw has two knurled rings around its edge.
The surveyor's level is stored in a pine case with brass hinges, hooks, and handle. Inside the case is a smaller mahogany (?) box for the spirit level. Also in the case is a brass sun shade.
The spirit level is bolted to a brass bar having a hole for mounting at its center. The spirit level has a single rectangular glass window, onto which two unmarked scales, each having ten divisions, are etched.
The telescope tube has a knurled eyepiece. Fitted around the tube near the eyepiece end is a brass ring, from which two brass pins project. A third pin projects downward from the tube itself, just inside the brass ring. Two square bronze plates fitted around the tube act as bearing supports in contact with the level bar. On opposite sides of the center of the tube are two mounting columns: one column the tube on the level bar (see below); the other secures the spirit level to the telescope tube. Bolted to the side of the tube near the objective end is a single knurled brass knob.
The telescope tube sits on a level bar in the shape of a wheel with six spokes. Below this are three leveling screws, each threaded through a brass arm projecting from the vertical spindle. The round knob on top of each screw has two knurled rings around its edge.
The surveyor's level is stored in a pine case with brass hinges, hooks, and handle. Inside the case is a smaller mahogany (?) box for the spirit level. Also in the case is a brass sun shade.
Signedengraved on top of level bar: A. Beaulieu à Bruxelles ;
stamped on inside of pine case: 376 / [initials A, B intertwined];
stamped on inside of mahogany case: 376 / [initials A, B intertwined]
Curatorial RemarksThis object was previously numbered DW0376.;
Images B501058, B501059, B501060 may be removed. They are duplicated (in better exposure) as B501473, B501474, B501475.
FunctionFor use in surveying, to measure contours.
After mounting the level on a tripod at his starting location, the user levels the instrument by means of the spirit level and the leveling screws. 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 telescope and the rod target indicates the gain in elevation over the horizontal distance between the two.
After mounting the level on a tripod at his starting location, the user levels the instrument by means of the spirit level and the leveling screws. 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 telescope and the rod target indicates the gain in elevation over the horizontal distance between the two.
ProvenanceDavid Wheatland purchased from Roux-Devillas Paris, August 6, 1968 (lot 9/137).
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
Keuffel & Esser Company
Date: circa 1909
Accessories: mahogany case with brass corner protectors and lock; key; sunshade; dust cover; tripod (5147b)
Object number: 5147a
Troughton & Simms
Date: circa 1840
Accessories: mahogany box with brass handle; sun shade for telescope
Object number: 5234
Etienne Lenoir
Date: circa 1830
Accessories: T-shaped mahogany case; knob for socket mount
Object number: 5214
William Cary
Date: 1825-1850
Accessories: oak case with brass hinges and hooks; plastic wrapping
Object number: 5220
Frederick Eckel
Date: circa 1885
Accessories: mahogany case (top very worn); lens hood; sunshade; tripod, see 5151b
Object number: 5151a
Buff & Berger
Date: circa 1880
Accessories: mahogany case; sunshade; screws; dust cover
Object number: 5143a
James E. Moody
Date: circa 1880
Accessories: mahogany case; sunshade; dust cap; tripod (5141b)
Object number: 5141a
Buff & Berger
Date: circa 1890
Accessories: mahogany case with lock (key not found); leather strap; screwdriver; dust cover; sunshade; tripod, see 5149b
Object number: 5149a
Troughton & Simms
Date: circa 1840
Accessories: mahogany box with brass hinges and hooks
Object number: 5232
Herman E. Fessel
Date: circa 1870
Accessories: mahogany case; sunshade; dust cover; tripod (5145b)
Object number: 5145a
See also/See also
