Description: This fabulous and heavily-engineered all-brass World War 1 era Director No 5 Mark 1 artillery sighting theodolite is dated 1917 and would originally have been used by the British Army for setting the elevation and angle of heavy weaponry in the battlefield. It comes complete with spare eye piece, glare shield, plumb bob and original wooden transit case marked ‘232B Aldershot’, attributing it to the Aldershot Garrison in the South East of England. The instrument retains its original paintwork and survives with just the right amount of patina and still in full working order - providing a real slice of living history! Take a look through the eyepiece and just imagine what the original operators might have witnessed more than 100 years ago! In 1914 - at the outbreak of World War 1 - Aldershot was the largest army camp in the UK and home to two Infantry Divisions, a Cavalry Brigade, and large numbers of artillery, engineers, service corps and medical corps. Twenty per cent of the British Army was stationed there. Both the instrument and case retain their original military marks, including the British military broad arrow - commonly known as the 'Crow's Foot' mark. Engraved to the foot of the instrument is the maker's name, E R Watts of London, together with its 1917 date of manufacture and the serial number 3447. This same number is embossed into the wooden case. During peacetime, E R Watts & Sons were makers of fine quality theodolites and other optical instruments. Like many other manufacturers, following the outbreak of war they they turned their expertise and resources to support the war effort, in the case of E R Watts by making instruments such as gun sights, heliographs, marching compasses and the like. The instrument now makes for an impressive display and conversation piece that can be used just like a normal telescope, giving an upright - rather than an inverted view, as is commonly the case with conventional theodolites. The instrument is 35cm long and stands 22cm high. Condition: Excellent ex-service condition, complete and fully functioning. Minor scuffs and scratches to the original paintwork, consistent with age and use. Very good optics. Fitted case in good order with original paintwork and military marks, bearing the normal scuffs and scratches consistent with age and use. OFFERS: If considering making an offer please bear in mind that while eBay has now removed all charges for private sellers, its charges for business sellers continue to rise. For me, these currently stand at around 24%, making eBay by far the most expensive of the three platforms that I currently sell on. If you do make an offer, please do not be offended if it is rejected. I strive to offer only the best quality items at the most competitive prices that I can. Overseas buyers are welcome, import charges may apply. This item will be carefully packed and promptly dispatched. For similar items visit my eBay shop and subscribe if you would like to receive notifications and offers.
Price: 650 GBP
Location: Penrith, Cumbria
End Time: 2025-01-16T07:48:16.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A GBP
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Item Specifics
Return postage will be paid by: Buyer
Returns Accepted: Returns Accepted
After receiving the item, your buyer should cancel the purchase within: 30 days
Return policy details:
Type: Engineering/ Surveying
Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
