Vintage Optical Theodolite in Wooden Case

This vintage optical theodolite comes in its original, beautifully crafted wooden case. Ideal for collectors, enthusiasts, or those seeking a piece of engineering history, this precision instrument was used for land surveying and angle measurements. The set includes the theodolite, lens accessories, and original manufacturer’s plaques and labels. A unique, display-worthy item that brings character to any space or collection.

The item belonged to my brother-in-law John Sharpington who was a Director of Woodward a building company that was formed in 1865 and worked in Rosendale Road, Dulwich, SE22. As can be seen the name Woodward is clearly on the antique box.

John followed his father into the building industry by starting at The Brixton School of Building at school age whereby he would study the 3 R's etc and in the afternoon work at carpentry, joinery, surveyoring, brick laying and many other building related themes. On leaving school he went straight into working on a building site doing manual labour, forman, contracts surveyor and later becoming a director. He developed many houses in Mayfair and Reading and indeed worked on famous peoples houses including Kathleen Harrison (Mrs Thursday) and Ringo.