This fabulous and heavily-engineered all-brass World War 1 era Director No 5 Mark 1 gun sighting theodolite is dated 1917 and was originally used by the British Army for setting the elevation and angle of heavy weaponry in the battlefield. It comes complete with original tripod and wooden transit case marked ‘232B Aldershot’, attributing it to the Aldershot Garrison in the South East of England. The instrument is 35cm long and 22cm high, standing 1.5m high when mounted on its original tripod stand. It makes for an impressive display and conversation piece that can be used just like a normal telescope, having an upright rather than an inverted image, as is commonly the case with conventional theodolites.

Both the instrument and case retain their original military marks, including the British military broad arrow or 'Crow's Foot' mark. Engraved to the foot of the instrument is the maker's name, E R Watts of London, together with its date of manufacture and the serial number 3447. During peacetime, E R Watts & Sons were makers of fine quality theodolites and other surveyors instruments. Like many other manufacturers, following the outbreak of war they they turned their expertise and resources to support the war effort, in their case by making instruments such as gun sights, heliographs, marching compasses and the like.

With so many of these instruments having been stripped and polished back to the bare brass, it is nice to find one that retains a degree of authenticity with its original paintwork, and surviving in such remarkable condition - providing a real slice of living history! Take a look through the eyepiece and imagine what the original operators might have seen more than 100 years ago!

Condition: The instrument survives in excellent ex-service condition, complete and fully functioning. There are minor scuffs and scratches to the paintwork, consistent with age and use. The optics are good. The fitted case is in good order, retaining original paint and military marks. The tripod is extremely solid and in good condition.