~ Boxed Surveyors Level by Stanley ~
The Boxed Surveyors Level by Stanley is a precision instrument used by surveyors to establish a level line of sight. This tool is housed in a protective wooden box, was manufactured by Stanley, a British company renowned for its high-quality surveying instruments during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Manufacturer: Stanley, founded by William Ford Stanley in 1854 in London, produced a wide range of precision instruments including levels, theodolites, and other surveying tools. The company’s instruments were known for their accuracy, durability, and high-quality craftsmanship.
The surveyors level consists of a telescope mounted on a rotating base that allows the user to view a target at a fixed horizontal angle. The primary function of the level is to provide a horizontal line of sight, crucial for tasks requiring leveling.
Telescope: The main component of the level is a telescope, often brass or bronze, which allows the surveyor to sight distant points while maintaining a straight line. The telescope is typically fitted with crosshairs to assist in sighting and leveling.
Spirit Level: Integrated into the telescope, the spirit level ensures that the instrument is perfectly horizontal. This is essential for taking accurate level readings.
Focusing Mechanism: The telescope includes a focusing system, which adjusts the clarity of distant objects for precise sighting.
Tripod Mounting: The instrument is mounted on a tripod, which provides stability during use. It is typically adjustable to ensure the instrument can be set to a proper height and level position.
Boxed Presentation: Many Stanley instruments, including their surveyors levels, were stored in wooden cases to protect the equipment when not in use. These boxes are often made from polished wood like mahogany or walnut, with a custom-fit interior to securely hold the instrument and prevent damage during transportation.
The Stanley Surveyors Level was primarily used to determine the level of land over a distance. It was often employed in projects such as road building, canal construction, and land subdivision. By establishing a level line of sight, surveyors could calculate differences in elevation, making it easier to plan and execute construction tasks.
Civil engineers also used the level for ensuring structures like buildings, bridges, and roads were constructed on a level foundation. It was particularly useful in ensuring flat surfaces or gradients for drainage and water flow.
History:
Stanley Instruments: The company’s founder, William Ford Stanley, was instrumental in improving the design and functionality of surveying instruments. By the late 19th century, Stanley had gained a reputation for producing highly reliable tools, including their levels, which were exported across the world.
Evolution of Surveying Levels: Over time, the accuracy of levels improved with better optics and more precise spirit levels. The Stanley surveyors level was a reflection of the technological advancements of the era, providing engineers and surveyors with a tool that could deliver consistently accurate results.
Features:
Brass Construction: Older Stanley levels were often made of brass, which provided both durability and resistance to the elements. The brass components were typically polished to a bright finish, making the instruments visually appealing as well as functional.
Vernier Scale: In some models, a vernier scale was included to provide finer measurements, allowing surveyors to make adjustments to ensure that the instrument was perfectly level.
Collectability and Legacy:
Today, boxed surveyors levels by Stanley are considered valuable collectibles, appreciated for their craftsmanship, historical significance, and aesthetic appeal. Antique surveying instruments like these are often displayed in collections of scientific instruments or in museums.
Stanley’s levels are not only significant for their historical use in the development of infrastructure during the 19th and early 20th centuries but also as representations of the precision engineering of the time. They embody the technological advancements that helped lay the groundwork for modern surveying and construction techniques.
Conclusion:
The Boxed Surveyors Level by Stanley is a fine example of a precision tool used during a time when craftsmanship and attention to detail were paramount in instrument-making. Its robust design, combined with precision optics and leveling mechanisms, made it an essential tool for land surveyors and engineers in its day. Today, these levels are prized by collectors and admired for their elegance and historical importance in the evolution of surveying tools.
