CECIL E. HANSON COLLECTION
ANTIQUE SURVEYING INSTRUMENTS

AMERICAN LEVELS

Ledder & Probst Inc., Boston, MA

Serial Number: 4283
Type: Architechs' or Builders' Dumpy Level
Telescope Length: 11-1/2"
Spirit Level Length: 4-1/4"
Diameter of Horizontal Circle: 3"
Height: 5-3/4"
Weight: Instrument - 4.5 lb; Box + Instrument - 7.3 lb
Condition: Good but shows use. Green enamel paint has worn off in spots. Telescopes focuses, but optics appear to be dirty as there are some spot marks in the view. Cross hairs intact.
Case: Yes -  Wooded box in good condition (12"x5"x8")
Found: March 21, 1967; Buff&Buff Co., Boston, MA
Reference: Smart, vol 1, page 111
CEH Inventory# L21

Ledder and Probst background information from several sources:

Gottfried G. Ledder was born in Germany in 1851 and migrated to the United States in 1888, becoming a naturalized citizen in 1894. In 1899 he established "G.G. Ledder" which supplied engineer's instruments and surveying equipment in Boston in the early twentieth century. Prior to that he was associated with Buff & Burger and listed as a clerk in the 1890 - 98 Boston city directories. His business represented major suppliers of surveying instruments and associated equipment, including Buff & Buff, Gurley and Dietzgen but didn't manufacture them. In 1906 he became associated with Arthur Frederick Probst, who assumed the role of managing partner, to form Ledder and Probst. Prior to that, Probst worked at Keuffel & Esser and the Eugene Dietzgen companies in New York. At the end of 1909, Ledder appeared to retire from active participation in the business and Probst continued to operate it until 1923, when Ledder died.

Gottfried G. Ledder supplied engineers' instruments and surveying equipment in Boston in the early twentieth century.

He listed himself as the New England agent for Buff & Buff in a 1904 directory, Building and engineering trades reference book of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

In September 1906, he became associated with Arthur Frederick Probst to form the Ledder and Probst. Probst continued that business alone from December 1, 1909 (presumably at Ledder's death). - http://waywiser.fas.harvard.edu/people/1977/gottfried-g-ledder;jsessionid=23EF9A0C2170F717EDA544DD9A9DE748