Magnificent Antique Surveyor's Level in Excellent Condition. England, Circa 1900

This awesome surveyor level is an antique and original piece, made of golden brass and preserving all its component parts. The level was made in England by the prestigious maker T. Cooke & Sons and is more than one hundred years old. It dates from the early 20th century (circa 1900) and remains in optimal working order. All the component parts are original, even the glass capsules with the bubbles. It is a really beautiful item, as functional as decorative. The piece which contains a compass and supports the telescope bears an engraved inscription in sober capital letters: T. COOKE & SONS LONDON. It corresponds to the company founded by Thomas Cooke in 1837, located in York (England). Thomas Cooke was a British optical instrument maker who was always interested in the manufacture of telescopes. As well as creating the mentioned company, Cooke designed and constructed important telescopes and some are still in working order. For example, the telescope still in daily use at Carter Observatory The National Observatory of New Zealand, delivering excellent results. In 1866 Cooke died and the business was continued by his sons. The amazing surveyor level that we can see in the photographs is a good example of the quality instruments made by Cooke. The brass the pieces are made of is in great condition, with no traces of rust and preserving the original transparent lacquer that protects the metal surface. The bubbles keep the original liquid and the mobile parts move softly. The adjusting knobs and screws also move well and let an optimal operation. The telescopes lenses are original from the period and so is the lower compass, in excellent working order too. This gorgeous English surveyor level is an antique piece that preserves the great charm and high quality of the instruments constructed by Thomas Cooke. Measurements: Width: 15.15 in / 38 cm. Height: 6.2 in / 16 cm.