Bidspirit auction | W. Mansfield Water Finder Kit,

W. Mansfield Water Finder Kit, Case W/Tripod - A remarkably well-preserved Mansfield Patent Automatic Water Finder, manufactured by W. Mansfield & Co. in Birkenhead, England, dating to the early-to-mid 20th century. This highly specialized scientific instrument, historically used by surveyors and dowsers to locate subterranean water sources, features a rich mahogany-cased indicator box with robust brass corner brackets, a glass observation panel, an integrated white enamel compass dial, and an internal red textile accessory pouch fitted to the underside of the top lid. The indicator stands on its original, adjustable metal tripod base beneath a leveled mahogany mounting platform. Also included are six numbered wood-and-brass rods (stamped W1 and HW2), a vintage pocket-watch-style compass, and an original hand-drawn instructional paper diagram illustrating survey peg lines and ”soft water needle” repulsion tests. The entire outfit is housed in its heavy-duty leather transport cases—a tall cylinder for the tripod and a square box for the indicator—both of which are further protected by original drawstring canvas textile sacks. The wood components are in excellent condition, retaining a brilliant luster and rich patina, while the tarnish on the brass hardware is exceptionally minimal. The leather cases are near-pristine, exhibiting only expected light wear on the tightening straps, and the hand-drawn paper diagram shows typical age-related creasing but remains fully legible and intact. Tripod Case: H 23”, W 4.75”, D 4.75”. Instrument Case: H 17”, W 10”, D 10”. Please see photos for condition. From the Dale Beeks collection.