lord kelvin & james white 7” Transit theodolite
A very large and heavy 7” transit theodolite by Lord Kelvin and James White. The company was established in 1899 and traded under this name only until 1913, at which time it became Kelvin Bottomley and Baird.
Lord Kelvin (pictured) was a famous engineer, mathemetician and physicist best known for his pioneering work in developing the first trans-Atlantic cable, and for developing the Kelvin scale of temperature. James White was a well-regarded optical instrument maker, operating from Glasgow’s Cambridge Street.
This particular instrument is of immense proportions, standing 47cm high and weighing in at a hefty 18kg (39lb) with the case and various attachments. The instrument is fitted with a 7” (18cm) transit dial, 4” (12cm) compass dial signed ‘Kelvin and James White, Glasgow’ and 44cm telescope. It is complete with original fitted case, which in turn is protected within a stiff leather outer. SOLD - but please visit my online shop for similar instruments.