Bidspirit auction | Cooke, Troughton & Simms T65

Cooke, Troughton & Simms T65 & Tripod - This remarkable ensemble features a Model T65 ”Tavistock” optical theodolite, precision-engineered by Cooke, Troughton & Simms of York, England, circa 1935, paired with a professional wooden surveying tripod. A masterpiece of British instrumentation, it is highly sought after for its clear optics and direct-reading internal glass scales, which remain in excellent, functional condition. This specific unit carries significant historical appeal due to its government provenance, as evidenced by the tripod’s burned-in ”PROPERTY OF U.S. GOVT.” stencil—linking it to federal surveying efforts. The set is complete with original accessories, including the lens cap and hood. The tripod is constructed of heavy-duty tapered wood with weight-saving cutouts and a cast-metal threaded mounting head. Both pieces are in complete, workable condition; the theodolite shows minor paint chips and a historic screw hole, while the tripod exhibits authentic field wear, scuffs, and a weathered patina on the metal hardware. H 58”, W 7”, D 7”. From the collection of Dale Beeks. Please see photos for condition. Note: Pickup/Transport required. Contacts available post auction.