Wild Heerbrugg – Optisch waterpas - Working tool

Optical level/theodolite (presumably from the 1970s-1980s) from the quality top brand Wild Heerbrugg of Switzerland.
A theodolite is an angular measuring instrument from geodesy.
With a theodolite one can measure horizontal and vertical angles with high accuracy.

Wild Heerbrugg AG was founded on 26 April 1921 as Heinrich Wild, Werkstätte für Präzisiemechanik und Optik, by Heinrich Wild, Jacob Schmidheiny and Robert Helbling in the district of Heerbrugg in the municipality of Balgach in the canton of St. Gallen. From 1921 to 1990 it was a leading manufacturer of optical measuring instruments, laboratory and stereomicroscopes, drafting sets and photogrammetric instruments.

It is supplied by the trading company Wed. J. Ahrend & Zoon in Amsterdam; see the logo on the protective cap.
Inside the protective cap one can read that it was last checked in 1981.

Although Wed. J. Ahrend & Zoon (or briefly Ahrend) was not a instrument manufacturer, but a trading company in office furniture and supplies, the company is worth mentioning. Here in the Netherlands they were the main re-seller of various geodetic instruments, such as measuring tapes and chains, surveyors’ compasses, level and geodetic sextants, levels and theodolites. Among the companies they represented were De Koningh and Wild Heerbrugg.
Their first office was established in 1896 in a living room in Amsterdam by Jacobus Ahrend, son of Jacobus Ahrend Sr. and Gerardina Ahrend-Makelaar. His father had already passed away and because he was underage, the mother's name had to be used as the business name, hence the addition "Wed." for widow.

This lot has been carefully cleaned and will be packaged carefully, sent by registered mail and insured (with Track & Trace code so you can track the shipment). Pickup in (Ridderkerk, South Holland) is also possible. I have delicious hand-ground coffee.

Optical level - Wild Heerbrugg - Topographic theodolite - Brass - 1950s-1960s
Wild Heerbrugg precision optical level – Olive green brass – Switzerland – 1950s-1960s
Beautiful Wild Heerbrugg precision optical level, model no. 24631, made in Switzerland in the 1950s-1960s.

This instrument, made from olive-green lacquered brass, perfectly illustrates the quality and precision of Swiss craftsmanship.

Used in surveying and geodesy for accurate leveling, it rests on a stable base with three micrometer screws and is supplied with the original matching metal case. A wonderful scientific and industrial object, combining technical precision with vintage elegance.

In good overall condition, with minor wear to the lacquer and an authentic patina of age.