Description
According to the book "The Construction and Principal Uses of Mathematical Instruments” by M. Bion in 1758 the water-level is the earliest form of leveling instrument. In Book V the level is included with instruments of gunnery. Since two of these instruments have been found in Maine shipbuilding towns, it is speculated they were used for laying the keel for early ships. The instrument is lacquered brass with 95% plus of the original lacquering remaining. Fully assembled, the instrument is 50 inches overall creating a large line of sight. At either end of the arms are attached two free-blown glass fonts. By filling the tube with colored water and mounting the instrument on a base one can use it for leveling. The instrument is in a mahogany box 8 inches x 23.75 inches x 3.25 inches. The glass fonts are two inches in diameter x six inches tall. It is extremely rare to find an instrument of this age.
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