Fortnightly House Clearance Auction

Fortnightly House Clearance Auction

Catalog

Lot 341: Vintage Mahogany Sopwith Pattern Surveying Leveling Staff

The auction will start in __ days and __ hours

Start price: £5

Estimated price: £5 - £10

Buyer's Premium:

A professional surveying leveling staff of dark hardwood construction, likely mahogany, featuring a white-primed measuring face with Sopwith pattern graduations. This style of staff was standard equipment for British civil engineers and surveyors throughout the 20th century. The face is marked with large red numerals indicating foot measurements, including 10, 11, 12, and 13. Between these are black numerals 1, 3, 7, and 9, with an inverted V shape representing the 5 mark, denoting tenths of a foot. Finer measurements are provided by black block graduations representing hundredths of a foot. No maker’s marks are visible on the instrument.


Condition report:

The staff exhibits signs of significant professional use and age-related wear. There is notable scuffing, scratching, and loss to the painted surface, particularly along the edges and corners. The hardwood body shows typical surface wear but remains structurally sound.