1863 WATERVLIET ARSENAL MARKED GUNNER’S LEVEL

1863 WATERVLIET ARSENAL MARKED GUNNER’S LEVEL

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$2,250.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1202-1331

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This gunner’s level is clearly marked across the top on one side with an eagle over “U.S. / WATERVLIET / ARSENAL/ 1863.” This was an essential artillery tool enabling an artillery crew to correctly sight a piece even if not on level ground. This is constructed of heavy sheet brass with the bottom cut out in a wide crescent whose two points rest on short steel rods that would rest on either side of a cannon barrel without marring it. On the opposite face from the one with the marking, a horizontal spirit level is mounted on a short shelf held by two screws parallel to a line drawn between the points of the crescent, enabling the gunner to determine when it is level. A perpendicularly mounted vertical flat steel slider with a pointed end can then be lowered to the surface of the barrel at its base, touching its highpoint, which was then marked with chalk and used in sighting by the gunner. The slider has a small knob at top and passes through a screw-fastened brass guide bracket at top and a slot in the shelf holding the spirit level below.

This is complete, with functioning spirit level and the knob in place on top of the sliding pointer. The markings, both the eagle and the lettering are clear. The brass has a good deal of gilt finish remaining but with various handling scratches that show a patinaed brass underneath and some brown staining around the slider and bracket holding it, though the slider itself shows a some very strong, pleasing blue remaining.

This is a key piece in a display of Civil War artillery tools and equipment, with very clear arsenal markings and great mid-war date.  [sr][ph:L]

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