Collections Item Detail

DescriptionAbney Reflecting Level, model 5711, made by Keuffel & Esser Co., New York, no date, circa 1900-1920. Metal and glass; brass level tube with smooth black finish, 1/2" square x 5" long; extends to 5-5/8 open; graduated nickel plated arc circa 2" long x 2" high; attached adjustable glass bubble with brass mount with smooth black finish; lens eyepiece. Compass attached to top near eyepiece, 1-3/8" diameter; graduated by 10 degrees with 2 degree increments. With: original polished mahogany hinged top case, 5-3/4" wide x 3" deep x 2-1/8" high, with fitted interior. Bottom mounting hole for attachment to ball joint and socket holder (which is not present; originally issued with item; case is fitted for storing it.) The model name and number does not appear on the object. Maker's name appears on left side below compass: Keuffel & Esser Co., N.Y. A number (serial?) appears on the bottom of the tube near the eyepiece: 17294. The arc has two scales on it: the lower one is not named, but appears to be degrees by 10 degrees in 2 degree increments with a vernier reading to 10 minutes. Upper scale is labeled 1 to 1 for both elevation and depression. This hand level is depicted in several catalogues from at least the 30th, 1900 up to the 38th edition, 1936. Up to the 36th edition of 1921, the item was offered in a mahogany case as the one here. With the 21st edition the offering changed to leather case in a choice of two styles. K&E had their main office and factories in Hoboken when this item was made.