Wye or Y level
Large unsigned and undated Wye level
Obtained from the Netherlands
Product details: Wye or Y level | | Simple theodolite | Survey | Material: Brass
Bought this as a spur of the moment purchase. It came up rather cheap and I did not have this type of level yet. It didn't look very old but ever since I have had it, I have been puzzled a bit by it. It is definitely a Wye level. And based on the tribach it must be of European origing (otherwise there would be four legs rather than three). What makes it stand out from other instruments is the grey paint but more importantly the level that is on the side of the telescope rather than above / beneath as with most other Wye levels. The level is in the correct place for this instrument though as putting it above / beneath the telescope would not work the way it is grinded.
What is also different from most other levels i have seen is that it allows for accurate horizontal angle measurements. It has two verniers on the horizontal circle that allow reading to minutes. Because of the two readings they can be averaged. What makes it more special is that the horizontal circle itself can be rotated as well, just as in a theodolite, allowing a series of measurements rather than a single measurement with double reading. Unfortunately the cross hairs are gone and need to be replaced at some point in time.
I have not been able to date it (or figure out a possible manufacturer) but based on the type and the two seeminly art deco letters indicating the direct or reversed reading my best guess so far is for the 1920s. Any further information is appreciated though.
Wye level
Data sheet
- Type of use
- Survey
- Material
- Brass
8 other products in the same category:
Large unsigned and undated Wye level
Obtained from the Netherlands
Product details: Wye or Y level | | Simple theodolite | Survey | Material: Brass