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ID #SA1227536
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Antique Brass Surveyor's Theodolite
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
sold SA1227536
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2016
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  • About Us
    Selling good quality victorian, georgian and earlier furniture, accessories & decorative items. Ashburton, devon. LAPADA member
  • Trade Associations
    In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA
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Id #SA1227536
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Antique Brass Surveyor's Theodolite

1900 - 1920
Description

A good example of a brass transit theodolite dating from the early 20th Century. A transit theodolite is one in which the telescope can be rotated about the horizontal axis pivoting through 180 degrees and easily allowing the viewer to see both forwards and backwards through the instrument.

It is a good quality instrument and is engraved on the base for the maker "T.Cooke & Simmons Ltd London".

I have by no means 'tested' the theodolite and it is being sold as a decorative item although everything moves as it should and the telescope focuses well. I'm sure the lenses would benefit from a clean as they are a little cloudy and there are some small spots of dirt here and there. There are signs of age and use, some knocks and marks and tarnishing but no major damages.

The best description comes from the photos so please look at them all carefully and if you have any questions just ask.

Tracked UK Delivery £15

Physical Dimensions
Height
24cm (9.45")
Width
26cm (10.24")
Declaration

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors has dated this Antique Brass Surveyor Theodolite to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1227536
Description
A good example of a brass transit theodolite dating from the early 20th Century. A transit theodolite is one in which the telescope can be rotated about the horizontal axis pivoting through 180 degrees and easily allowing the viewer to see both forwards and backwards through the instrument.
fig 1. An antique brass surveyors theodolite featuring a central sighting telescope, spirit levels, and knurled adjustment screws on a circular base.
fig 1. Antique Brass Surveyor's Theodolite

It is a good quality instrument and is engraved on the base for the maker "T.Cooke & Simmons Ltd London".

“
I have by no means 'tested' the theodolite and it is being sold as a decorative item although everything moves as it should and the telescope focuses well.
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

I'm sure the lenses would benefit from a clean as they are a little cloudy and there are some small spots of dirt here and there. There are signs of age and use, some knocks and marks and tarnishing but no major damages.

The best description comes from the photos so please look at them all carefully and if you have any questions just ask.

Tracked UK Delivery £15

Height
24cm (9.45")
Width
26cm (10.24")
Date of Manufacture

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors has dated this Antique Brass Surveyor Theodolite to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1227536
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2016

Selling good quality victorian, georgian and earlier furniture, accessories & decorative items. Ashburton, devon. LAPADA member

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors Profile Page

Trade Associations

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA

Relevant Links
PDF SHARE
SAVE
An antique brass surveyors theodolite featuring a central sighting telescope, spirit levels, and knurled adjustment screws on a circular base.
1 / 14
Archive I An antique brass surveyors theodolite featuring a central sighting telescope, spirit levels, and knurled adjustment screws on a circular base.

Antique Brass Surveyor's Theodolite

Archive II An antique brass surveyors theodolite featuring a central sighting telescope, spirit levels, and knurled adjustment screws on a circular base. View II
Archive III An antique brass surveyors theodolite featuring a central sighting telescope, spirit levels, and knurled adjustment screws on a circular base. View III
Archive IV An antique brass surveyors theodolite featuring a central sighting telescope, spirit levels, and knurled adjustment screws on a circular base. View IV
Archive V An antique brass surveyors theodolite featuring a central sighting telescope, spirit levels, and knurled adjustment screws on a circular base. View V
Archive VI An antique brass surveyors theodolite featuring a central sighting telescope, spirit levels, and knurled adjustment screws on a circular base. View VI
Archive VII An antique brass surveyors theodolite featuring a central sighting telescope, spirit levels, and knurled adjustment screws on a circular base. View VII
Archive VIII An antique brass surveyors theodolite featuring a central sighting telescope, spirit levels, and knurled adjustment screws on a circular base. View VIII
Archive IX An antique brass surveyors theodolite featuring a central sighting telescope, spirit levels, and knurled adjustment screws on a circular base. View IX
Archive X An antique brass surveyors theodolite featuring a central sighting telescope, spirit levels, and knurled adjustment screws on a circular base. View X
Archive XI An antique brass surveyors theodolite featuring a central sighting telescope, spirit levels, and knurled adjustment screws on a circular base. View XI
Archive XII An antique brass surveyors theodolite featuring a central sighting telescope, spirit levels, and knurled adjustment screws on a circular base. View XII
Archive XIII An antique brass surveyors theodolite featuring a central sighting telescope, spirit levels, and knurled adjustment screws on a circular base. View XIII
Archive XIV An antique brass surveyors theodolite featuring a central sighting telescope, spirit levels, and knurled adjustment screws on a circular base. View XIV
Enlarged Archival View
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
Telephone 07800 561 203 or 01364 654 648
Location
7 North Street
Ashburton
Devon
TQ13 7QJ
United Kingdom

Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/nutshell
Verified Since Aug 2016
Items For Sale 245
Items Sold 3,635
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
Verified Since Aug 2016
View Dealer Info
Location: 7 North Street, Ashburton, Devon, TQ13 7QJ, United Kingdom, , Opening hours:, Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/nutshell
Verified
Aug 2016
For Sale
245
Sold
3,635
An antique brass surveyors theodolite featuring a central sighting telescope, spirit levels, and knurled adjustment screws on a circular base.
Antique Brass Surveyor's Theodolite
Ref: SA1227536
An antique brass surveyors theodolite featuring a central sighting telescope, spirit levels, and knurled adjustment screws on a circular base.
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FAQs

A theodolite is a precision instrument used in surveying and building construction to measure horizontal and vertical angles. Developed in its modern form during the eighteenth century, it became essential for mapping, engineering, and land boundary delineation.

Historical theodolites were primarily constructed from solid brass for durability and corrosion resistance, combined with optical glass lenses and spirit level vials filled with ether or alcohol. Internal components often featured silvered scales for high-precision readings.

Authentic nineteenth-century examples feature hand-engraved maker names, serial numbers, and degree markings on silvered or brass arcs. Look for knurled adjustment screws, natural surface patination, and heavy cast-brass construction rather than modern lightweight reproductions.

An antique brass theodolite functions as a distinctive accent piece on an executive desk, a dark wood bookcase, or a console table. Pair it with leather-bound books, framed historical maps, or contemporary minimal decor to create an intellectual focal point.

Keep the instrument in a climate-controlled environment away from excess humidity to prevent aggressive verdigris oxidisation. Dust gently with a soft microfibre cloth, avoiding harsh chemical polishes if retaining the original aged patina is desired.
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