Collections Item Detail

DescriptionAlidade, model 5205A, made by Keuffel & Esser Co., New York, (1916.) Metal and glass, 20" long x ca. 4" wide x ca. 9" high; blade 20" x 3" with circular holes; separate 5" x 5" compass with two spirit levels; two paper clips; original wood box with hinged lid: manufacturer's printed white celluloid label inside lid. With: telescope cap; sunshade; two nickel plated paper clips. Lacking any printed instructions or manufacturer's printed material. Serial number, 32743, model number and manufacturer's name engraved on blade at telescope post. Date of manufacture determined from serial number marked on blade below telescope. The number places it as manufactured in 1916 based on "First Instruments of the Year" serial number chart in January 1991 issue of Surveyor's Historical Society magazine, "Backsights." Also known as a high-post alidade. This model was the least expensive of the three offered in the 35th edition catalog of 1915. It is depicted and described on pages 400-401 of that catalog. The instrument was part of a "Plane-Table" [plane table] outfit, but it could be purchased separately. K&E main office and factories were in Hoboken when this item was made.