This antique drainage level was once the property of the Lord Crewe Trustees, who oversaw the restoration of Bamburgh Castle on the North East coast of England following the death of Lord Nathaniel Crewe in 1721. The instrument was made by John Gardner and Co of Glasgow and was likely retailed by John Cail of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Handwritten in script to the inside of the fitted wooden case are the words 'Lord Crewe Trustees, Bamburgh Castle'.‍ ‍ Click here to see a short video clip.

In the 18th Century Lord Nathaniel Crewe - the Bishop of Durham - was the owner of Bamburgh Castle, a spectacular fortress on Britain's Northumberland Coast often described as the 'King of Castles'. When he acquired the castle, the building was little more than a ruin. He started an ambitious programme of restoration but died before he could complete the project. The Lord Crewe Trust was set up in his name to finish the job, at the same time also rebuilding much of the village of Bamburgh and establishing a school, a dispensary, hospital, a coastguard station and welfare centre for shipwrecked sailors. The Charity was active until the early 1880s.

This unique and nicely patinated lacquered brass instrument dates to around 1850. The inscription to the scale arm reads 'Gardner & Co, 21 Buchanan Street, Glasgow, Registered No 2603, December 28th 1850'. They operated from these premises from 1839 until 1860. The retailers label is for John Cail, trading at 21 Grey Street, Newcastle-upon- Tyne from 1855 until 1865.

The instrument is 40cm long and stands 13cm high.

Condition: Despite its 175 years or so of age, it survives in great working order with nice crisp optics and cross hair intact. The brass retains its original protective lacquer, but also with a nice degree of patination giving it a great sense of age. The spirit level is intact and the elevation adjustment functions as it should. The fitted case has normal wear and tear, knocks, scratches etc. Also included is the nice old postcard of Bamburgh Castle, as illustrated, unused and in very good condition.