If you want to add a Circa 1725 to 1750 Simple Theodolite to your collection at a bargain price, this is your chance.

I'm calling this a Circa 1725 to 1750 instrument but I really have no idea. The Theodolite has some early features - a compass for orientation rather than a compass with a divided ring being the most important thing.

But the Theodolite was obviously made by mostly unskilled worker or amateur, which I suspect is why the Theodolite is unsigned. Take a look at the very last pic - which shows a very serious error in putting the degree marks in the right spot. Almost laughable. Dating this instrument is problematic given the skill level of the maker. Normal dating techniques may not apply.

Nevertheless, this was likely a usable instrument back in the day, and it now is about 275 to 300 years old. I think you could turn this instrument into a decent display item, and tell a good story about the engraving problem. Not every surveyor could afford an upper end instrument made by a famous maker. Sometimes good enough was all a surveyor really needed.

If you are interested in learning more about Theodolites made from 1500 to 1800, please see my Theodolites (1500 to 1800) Webpage. The Unsigned Theodolite offered here is what I call a Second Generation Theodolite, so go directly to that page if you want to learn more about Theodolites made at roughly the same time as my Unsigned Theodolite.