Bidspirit auction | Bausch & Lomb ”Gavatt” Dumpy

Bausch & Lomb ”Gavatt” Dumpy Level W/Case - This professional-grade Engineer’s Dumpy Level, Model 114, known as the ”Gavatt,” was manufactured by the renowned Bausch & Lomb Optical Co. of Rochester, NY, circa 1915-1920. A staple of early 20th-century American infrastructure projects, this instrument features a 14.5-inch erecting telescope with a durable grey finish over an aluminum body, complemented by a black-finished brass three-screw leveling base. The set remains remarkably complete, housed in its original mahogany ”suitcase-style” box with green felt padding and includes the original leveling base. The telescope finish shows light, authentic wear consistent with field use, while the black brass components remain in excellent condition; the mahogany case is sturdy with expected surface scuffs and handling marks but remains functionally sound. H 6.5”, W 16.5”, D 9”. Please see photos for condition. From the collection of Dale Beeks.