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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.
SOLD
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