Bidspirit auction | Antique Troughton & Simms London

Antique Troughton & Simms London Theodolite - An exceptional circa 1900 brass scientific instrument, this antique transit theodolite was manufactured by the renowned makers Troughton & Simms in London, England. Provenance labels inside the lid of the protective mahogany transit case note that this precise unit was originally owned by engineer Alfred H. Roberts (uncle of C.M. Roberts) while working for P.W. & C.S. Meik at the Hebburn-on-Tyne Graving Dock, and it was later repaired and adjusted in December 1932 by Cooke, Troughton & Simms Ltd. The historic Hebburn-on-Tyne shipyard on the River Tyne was famous for constructing major civil engineering projects and naval vessels, making this a spectacular artifact of British maritime and industrial engineering history. The complete set includes the heavy, intricately constructed solid brass theodolite instrument, a plumb bob, leveling components, and fitted eyepiece lenses tucked securely into the green-felt-lined interior slots. Objectively, the brass surfaces display a beautiful, honest aged patina with light handling wear and minor oxidation consistent with field use. The inner wooden mahogany box is in remarkable, very good condition with tight joints and clean wood grain, preserved wonderfully by the heavy leather outer travel case; the outer leather case displays heavy wear, scuffs, surface cracking, and broken straps with one missing buckle. H 16”, W 14”, D 9”. Please see photos for condition. From the Dale Beeks Collection.