CECIL E. HANSON COLLECTION
ANTIQUE SURVEYING INSTRUMENTS

FOREIGN LEVELS

Gardner & Co - Glascow, Scotland, ca 1870's

Serial Number: None
Type: Dumpy Level
Telescope Length: 13"
Telescope Diameter: 2"
Spirit level length: 6-1/2"
Height: 7-3/4"
Weight: Instrument - 8.2 lb; with box - 12.8 lb
Condition: Very Good
Wooden Case: 14-1/2" x 9" x 5"
Found: Purchased on October 25, 1966 from the Harrison Company in Montreal, Canada
CEH Inventory# FL3

Inscription on box reads - "Presented to Mr. Robert Morton, Manager, by the employees of Messrs. Morrison & Mason Contractors. Queens Dock, Glascow. 31st. August 1878". Morrison & Mason  was a Glasgow firm of building contractors, originating in 1870, that "specialized in building waterworks, docks, railway construction, tenements, villas and public and commercial buildings. Their most important building in Glasgow is the City Chambers (1882-90)." This level presented to Robert Morton was likely the type used in such construction projects. The date of the presentation would indicate it was manufactured by Gardner & Co in 1878 or earlier. The label on the inside of the case indicates that Gardner & Co. was established in A. D. 1765 and reads:

GARDNER & CO.
OPTICIANS TO HER MAJESTY
SPECTACLE MANUFACTURERS
53, BUCHANAN STREET
(Nearly Opposite Argyle Arcade)
GLASGOW

For some background on the history of Gardner & Co.: CLICK HERE

The level and case are in good condition and show little wear. Telescope focuses and cross hairs present. Image is inverted. There are four leveling screws. Below the telescope there is a leveling bubble approximately 1" in diameter.

CEH Notes: WM Gravatt, an Englishman, is credited with the construction of the first Dumpy level in 1845. It was called "Dumpy" because it was shorter than the first Wye level which was invented in 1745.