James Parkes and Son Theodolite

James Parkes was a well known instrument maker in Birmingham.

He founded his company in 1839 and was renowned for making telescopes. He was succeeded by his son and the company was renamed James Parkes and Son (1843 - 1862). Both Companies operated from 5 St Marys Row Birmingham ( Compassipedia).

His unusual trade mark of Left Eye and Eyebrow is shown on compass dials. 

The Webster Signature Database lists Parkes as being a Mathematical, Nautical, Optical, Philosophical and Surveying Instrument Maker.

The theodolite is very clean, shows little use and is complete with both short and long eyepiece for erect image. The spider web cross hairs are still intact.

The compass box has the E and W transposed and comes with plumb bob and screwdriver in the original dovetailed mahogany box ( 31 x 25 x 16 cm ).

​In all of the research on the internet I have not found any theodolites made by James Parkes and Son apart from the one I purchased.