A friend has asked me to find out what this was used for.?ÿ The box is approx 4" x 7" and is jewelry box quality.?ÿ What appears to be the vertical vial is built into the brass cylinder which has a brass sleeve with an oblong long window that revolves to expose the vial.
The horizontal vial is built into the steel arm.?ÿ This piece is heavy for its size.
I believe the plate on the inside of the lid says Young and Sons Surveying Equipment.
?ÿI hope you can see these photos.?ÿ I do not spend much time on the internet so all this posting and attaching is an adventure for me.
The inscription on the horizontal arm:
Young & Sons Inc
Phila
1918 TJB
No. 853
Interesting item for sure.?ÿ I tried searching to find out what it is but came up with nothing.?ÿ Young & Sons was bought out by K & E in 1918 and was moved from Philly to Hoboken in 1922.?ÿ K & E kept making products with the Young & Sons branding to keep the market share Y & S had.
I'm really interested in finding out what this item is.?ÿ
In the 3rd photo there is a hole in the end of the beam. Can you see through it? Is it threaded for something else?
Machinist's level?
@richard-imrie There are two holes and appear to be set screws that hold the brass "shaft" to the horiz arm
@bill93 That makes sense, as the horiz arm is shaped to slide into something, the tolerances on this thing are exceptional
@dougie Thanks, mucho garcias, looks like good reading
@swokpels Outstanding, my friend will be surprised.?ÿ Any idea what piece of artillery it was used with?
Out of curiosity, I looked in my Keuffel Esser catalog books for the item No. 853 and found your level did not match what the book showed for 853. ?ÿ It was interesting to find that K&E bought out Young and sons though. ?ÿI have one more source I can check.?ÿ
So how was the cylindrical part used?