surveyor's level
Datecirca 1860
Inventory Number5215
ClassificationLevel
Subject
Maker
Augustin Santi
1830-1884
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions21.5 × 5.3 × 27.2 cm (8 7/16 × 2 1/16 × 10 11/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionBrass surveyor's level with the following major components: crosshair sights; spirit level; secondary bar with leveling screw; and socket mount.
Two rectangular brass crosshair sights mounted perpindicularly at either end of the level bar. The eyepiece consists of a small brass plate floating in the brass frame. It can be adjusted up and down by turning a circular knob projecting up from the frame. The knob has two knurled rings around its edge. The eyepiece cover is black and is secured by a small screw.
A spirit level with a single oval glass window is mounted on brass blocks on top of the level bar. Etched on the glass are two identical unlabeled scales separated by a blank gap. Each scale has twenty-five divisions.
Suspended from the level bar is a secondary bar with a single leveling screw projecting down from one end. The screw has a knob with two knurled rings around its edge.
The secondary bar is attached by a ball and socket joint to a brass staff mount. A rectangular knob projecting horizontally from the mount tightens it around the ball joint. It has a second, circular knurled knob around near its bottom edge.
Two rectangular brass crosshair sights mounted perpindicularly at either end of the level bar. The eyepiece consists of a small brass plate floating in the brass frame. It can be adjusted up and down by turning a circular knob projecting up from the frame. The knob has two knurled rings around its edge. The eyepiece cover is black and is secured by a small screw.
A spirit level with a single oval glass window is mounted on brass blocks on top of the level bar. Etched on the glass are two identical unlabeled scales separated by a blank gap. Each scale has twenty-five divisions.
Suspended from the level bar is a secondary bar with a single leveling screw projecting down from one end. The screw has a knob with two knurled rings around its edge.
The secondary bar is attached by a ball and socket joint to a brass staff mount. A rectangular knob projecting horizontally from the mount tightens it around the ball joint. It has a second, circular knurled knob around near its bottom edge.
Signedengraved in script on side of spirit level tube: Santi, Opticien à Marseille.
Curatorial RemarksThis object was previously numbered DW0932.
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 crosshair sights. 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 crosshair sights. 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 Roux-Devillas, Paris, on June 1, 1963 (lot 1/8). Donated to CHSI February 1977.
Samuel Thaxter & Son
Date: 1822-1843
Accessories: mahogany box with brass hinges and hooks; two mounting attachments; detachable slit sights; tripod, see 1996-1-0059b
Object number: 1996-1-0059a
R. Iseli
Date: circa 1880
Accessories: walnut case with two adjustment tools, objective lens cap, and lens shade; Iseli trade card (inside box lid)
Object number: 5229
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
Object number: 5143a
James E. Moody
Date: circa 1880
Accessories: mahogany case; sunshade; dust cap; tripod (5141b)
Object number: 5141a
Keuffel & Esser Company
Date: circa 1909
Accessories: mahogany case with brass corner protectors and lock; key; sunshade; dust cover; tripod (5147b)
Object number: 5147a
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
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 1830
Accessories: mahogany case with brass hooks and hinges, and felt protectors; additional eyepiece; magnifier; adjustable mirror; tripod mount; foot plate (5208b); tripod (5208b)
Object number: 5208a
Date: circa 1850
Accessories: pine case with brass hinges, hooks, and locks; small mahogany (?) box for spirit level; brass sun shade
Object number: 5222
See also/See also
