FROM THE DALE BEEKS COLLECTION

360 Degree Spinner View - with Zoom Option
(Zoom with your mouse scroll wheel or with the magnifying glass in the spinner menu bar. Unzoom to regain control of the 360 degree spinner).

This is a very nice level made by John Temple.

Temple was one of the BEST instruments makers of his time. This level looks like every other level until you look closely, and see the fine details like the beveled knobs that are used with the telescope hold downs. Very fine craftsmanship.

I was surprised when I looked thru the roughly 16inch scope. Most telescopes of this vintage are cloudy or just ok. This scope is pretty sharp however. A cut above what you are used to seeing.

I was also able to figure out an owner of this level based on the partial remains of an owners label paste on top of the box. Circa 1896 this level was owned by Arthur Woods, a Civil Engineer and Surveyor in Worcester Mass. I didn't find much about Woods on the internet, but I'm 100% positive that this was his instrument. If you look at the pics below, you will see the same card owners label used by Woods when we was at a different address, and then some evidence that Woods was at the address shown on the Temple Level boxtop.

Please see my John H Temple Makers Webpage for more info about this very special surveying instrument maker.