It looks like a fairly standard wye level to me.
Cheers,
Henry
Don't know the proper name but it is a Wye Level but one can also set the telescope once removed from the wye's into smaller wye's close to the center of the instrument. Scope will be perpendicular to the axis and will transit or rotate in a limited range. Telescope length is probably about 12 inches instead of the typical 18 inches. There are "bands" that swing up and into place over the exposed round brass mid point when using the telescope in this manner. Probably used for construction as it also has a horizontal circle, something not usually seen on an 18 inch wye level. I've seen similar old David White instruments.
Instruments like the David White 3000/8300 where the telescope was not removable but could be locked in place for leveling were the successors to this style of instrument.
A Tilting Level Is A Semi-Transit
It tilts up down about 30 degrees, but you cannot flop or transit the scope.
It is most useful for doing topographic surveys using the stadia and a stadia rod. You shoot as many shots level to simplify your math work. Then you pick up other features tilting the scope, reading stadia, horizontal and vertical angles with more math homework.
Essentially the scope on a plane table is a tilting level.
Many cheap builder's transits are just tilting levels.
One feature is that the bubble can be seen through the eyepiece when the instrument is near level.
Paul in PA
A Tilting Level Is A Semi-Transit
Maybe I misnamed it, I was thinking more in terms of a micrometer level or whatever you call it. It has a knob on the side of the telescope, what is that? I see the focus on top.
It is not a "tilting" level.
Most catalogs of the time refer to this type of instrument as an "architects" level or a "convertible wye" level. The idea behind it was that one way it was a standard "wye" level and moving the scope 90° allowed it to become a poor man's "transit" for building layout.
Here's an image from a 1937 Sear's catalog:
I picked this up some time ago.
Eugene Dietzgen Co.
I also have this tilting level.
Wild N2
The knob under the eyepiece turns to tilt the telescope to bring the level vial - level.
Bob
A Tilting Level Is A Semi-Transit
> Maybe I misnamed it, I was thinking more in terms of a micrometer level or whatever you call it. It has a knob on the side of the telescope, what is that? I see the focus on top.
David,
Without personally observing it I cannot be sure, but I do believe it is a split bubble micrometer level. It looks very much like the K&E level I used to set rails for a turbine compressor is the late 70's.
B-)
