A vintage mahogany surveyor’s leveling staff section, constructed from a solid piece of polished hardwood. The staff features a white-painted face with traditional black E-pattern graduations, designed for legibility when viewed through a leveling instrument. The scale is marked with red numerals representing major units, with the numbers 1, 2, and 3 clearly visible. The reverse of the staff is fitted with an inset dark metal spring-catch or locking mechanism, which identifies the item as a single section from a larger telescopic or multi-part surveying assembly. This style of instrument was a standard piece of equipment for British surveying firms during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. No maker’s marks or signatures are visible on the section.
Condition report:
The item shows clear signs of age and field use, including scuffs, scratches, and minor finish loss to both the wooden body and the painted scale. There is some wear to the edges of the markings. The metal catch appears to be intact and original, although its mechanical function has not been tested within a complete staff assembly.
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