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CIVIL WAR ARTILLERY GUNNER'S LEVEL – EXCELLENT
EXAMPLE mkd WATERVLIET ARSENAL 1863: One
of the outstanding examples of the high quality tools,
gauges, and implements manufactured by the US Army
Ordnance Department, this is an
excellent specimen of the Civil War era US Army Artillery
Gunner's Level. A fairly scarce artilleryman’s
implement, these are believed to have been issued at a
rate of one for every six guns. Employed when setting
or positioning the guns, the level was used to determine
the high point of the gun's base ring. That high point
was then marked on the gun with chalk for use in aiming
the gun. Manufactured at the Watervliet Arsenal in
1863 and so marked, this Gunner’s Level measures
approximately 6.25” high and across, is fabricated of
heavy brass plate and is complete with both feet, the
slinging steel pointer and the spirit level. The
horizontal spirit level is firmly attached with four old
screws and is defect free; the leveling bubble showing
plainly in the glass viewer. The pointer slides easily
in the brass keepers. Plainly marked at the top of the
level, the Ordnance Department stamp reads “U.S. /
WATERVLIET / ARSENAL / 1863" and above that is stamped
the Federal Eagle. Showing very little wear, this
Gunner’s Level is undamaged and retains a beautiful aged
patina and shows no sign of cleaning or polishing. One
of the key Artillery Implements that are becoming
increasingly difficult to find, this Gunner’s Level
would be a very attractive addition to a Civil War
display or collection. $2995
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