Bidspirit auction | W. F. Stanley Surveying Compass

W. F. Stanley Surveying Compass W/Case & Tripod - This is a remarkable 19th-century brass surveying instrument—specifically a dial/compass featuring a clinometer scale reading ”Diff. of Hypo. & Base”—crafted by the renowned maker W. F. Stanley at Great Turnstile, Holborn, London. The set features a heavy, solid brass body with folding sight vanes, a spirit level, and its matching plumb bob, all housed in its original fitted mahogany box with a vibrant maker's label on the interior lid. Accompanying the instrument is its original wooden breakdown tripod housed within a long, fitted wooden transit case. The brass retains a warm, aged patina with mild surface oxidation, light scuffs, and minor dust collection in the crevices, while the spirit level fluid remains present. The mahogany instrument box shows light handling scuffs, minor edge wear, and a small area of surface loss on the interior paper label, while the larger tripod transit box displays heavier structural wear, typical scratches, and surface staining from field use, but remains solid with its hardware intact. Case 1: H 4.5”, W 11.5”, D 7”. Case 2: H 6”, W 31”, D 5.5”. From the collection of Dale Beeks. Please see photos for condition.