Historical information

Theodolites are a highly accurate instrument that measures angles between designated visible points in the horizontal and vertical planes. The theodolite has a long history, with the term first found in 1571 in a surveying textbook 'A geometric practice named Pantometria' by Leonard Digges. (source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodolite).
Theodolites are used by surveyors as part of their everyday work and although there is no specific information regarding the provenance of this particular one it is assumed it was used locally by the Shire of Marong and / or the Lands Department.
Edwin Watts started the company in 1856, trading up to 1920s as E.R. Watts & Son with E. R. Watts & Son Ltd amalgamating with Adam Hilger Ltd to form Hilger & Watts in 1948.

Physical description

0442.1 A black and grey theodolite no 39161 made by Watts & Sons. Various moving parts showing signs of extensive use particularly on the uprights on the main body and around knobs and dials where the paint is worn back to brass. Is housed in original box with key, oil container and pin.
0442.2 handwritten instructions for making adjustments to the Theodolite written on the back of Road Users' Association of Victoria letterhead note paper.

Inscriptions & markings

Watts & Sons / London / 5974
For N H Seward / Melbourne