William Ellis Metford (1824-1899), an English engineer and inventor.

The instrument is signed by the firm of Pastorelli and Co. of London which made mathematical and optical instruments between 1851 and 1875. However, most of it is likely to have been made by Henry Husbands of Bristol. Letters in the associated archive include ones to Husbands from Henry Marc Brunel suggesting improvements to the design of the theodolite.

Letter in the archive to Henry Husbands from Brunel discuss 'the theodolite' on 24 May 1871 and the 'completion of the instrument' on 26 May 1871.

Theodolites are surveying instruments used for the simultaneous measurement of horizontal and vertical angles.

Henry Marc Brunel who was the second son of the famous engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. A letter in the archive from John G Gamble to Henry Husbands discusses a "Metford theodolite made by Pastorelle belonging to Mr. H.M. Brunel and lent to Mr. Gamble".

Theodolite is recorded as having been owned by H.M. Brunel.

Theodolite and case, metal/glass/leather/mahogany, owned by Henry Marc Brunel, designed by William Metford, made by Henry Husbands/ Pastorelli & Co, Bristol/ London, England, [1871].

(-1)Theodolite is signed on the horizontal circle "Pastorelli and Co., London". It has a 4-inch silvered vertical circle with the telescope mounted on the axis. The telescope is supported on a curved limb and bracket. The lower support and frame incorporates a compass and universal bubble level. Parallel plates for the fine adjustment over the triangular tripod mounting are incorporated. (-2)Truncated pyramid mahogany case for the instrument. (-3)Cylindrical eyepiece. (-4) Brass tear-drop weight. (-5)Silver metal tool. (-6)Cloth tag.

Designed: Metford, William Ellis;

Made: Pastorelli & Co; England; 1871

Made: Husbands, Henry; England; 1871


Used: Brunel, Henry Marc; England

Owned: Brunel, Henry Marc; England

(-1)Vertical circle marked with 'Pastorelli & Co.'. (-6)Recto printed with the following information '...ADIE, Broadway Works, Westminster, S.W.' and handwritten beneath in black ink, '...M.Brumel Esqre. / Delaby Str. / S.W.'. Written in pencil on verso, 'New...Bubble / put in 17/6/07'.

98/187/1

330 mm

230 mm

190 mm